Brian Wilson acknowledges that he needs a second Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery - MLB

Hank Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle passes along this unfortunate series of updates on the status of Giants closer Brian Wilson:

We just talked to Wilson. He’s in great spirits. Said he knows he’s done for a year and plans to stick around and be a “better teammate.”

— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) April 15, 2012

Said he felt the arm pop on that pitch in Denver. If it was inflammation, just get through it. If he blew out, just save game for “Bum.”

— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) April 15, 2012

Wilson said he was pitching on “borrowed time” after 2010 postseason. Sounds as though this was inevitable.

— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) April 15, 2012

Wilson said he looks at Tommy John as an opportunity to get a “better arm and throw harder.”

— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) April 15, 2012

It’s unfortunate timing for Wilson, who is eligible for arbitration for the final time in 2013 and stood to cash in big. But he should have enough time to prove his value before reaching free agency heading into 2014.

The 30-year-old righty has a 3.21 career ERA, a 9.6 career K/9 and 171 career saves. He underwent his first Tommy John surgery in 2003, before being selected in the 24th round of the ’03 draft. Giants manager Bruce Bochy told reporters Saturday that he will employ a committee in the ninth inning going forward.

PHILADELPHIA – Phillies slugger Bryce Harper will miss the start of the 2023 season after he had reconstructive right elbow surgery.

The operation was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles.

Harper is expected to return to Philadelphia’s lineup as the designated hitter by the All-Star break. He could be back in right field by the end of the season, according to the team.

The 30-year-old Harper suffered a small ulnar collateral ligament tear in his elbow in April. He last played right field at Miami on April 16. He had a platelet-rich plasma injection in May and shifted to designated hitter.

Harper met Nov. 14 with ElAttrache, who determined the tear did not heal on its own, necessitating surgery.

Even with the elbow injury, Harper led the Phillies to their first World Series since 2009, where they lost in six games to Houston. He hit .349 with six homers and 13 RBIs in 17 postseason games.

In late June, Harper suffered a broken thumb when he was hit by a pitch and was sidelined for two months. The two-time NL MVP still hit .286 with 18 homers and 65 RBIs for the season.

Harper left Washington and signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies in 2019. A seven-time All-Star, Harper has 285 career home runs.

With Harper out, the Phillies could use Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber at designated hitter. J.T. Realmuto also could serve as the DH when he needs a break from his catching duties.