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.
