Major League Baseball

Angels drop Rodney from closer role

Published Apr. 5, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Angels right-hander Fernando Rodney has been dropped from the closer role to work on his mechanics.

Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia said on Tuesday that Jordan Walden will fill in for Rodney, who is working to make his delivery more compact.

''We had a good conversion with Fernando,'' Scioscia said. ''We'll get him out of the back end of the game and try to get him into a game where he can work on that. It's really important getting Fernando back.''

Rodney allowed two runs, two hits and four walks over 1 1-3 innings in his first two appearances this season.

Walden pitched in three of the Angels' first four games, giving up one hit in 2 1-3 scoreless innings.

''If Jordan takes off and runs with it, fine,'' Scioscia said. ''If Fernando is ready to get back out there when he gets his stuff together, so be it.''

Also, left-hander Scott Downs, on the 15-day disabled list with a broken left big toe, threw a one-inning simulated game before the Angels played Tampa Bay and could pitch in a minor league game this week.

Scioscia said left-hander Scott Kazmir, who gave up five runs in 1 2-3 innings in his first start of the season, will remain in the rotation.

Joel Pineiro, out with right shoulder tightness, is long tossing and could have a bullpen session when the Angels return home this weekend.

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