Brian Wilson Hits DL with Elbow Inflammation

The San Francisco Giants have placed closer Brian Wilson on the 15 day disabled list with elbow inflammation and a mild flexor strain.  San Francisco recalled reliever Steve Edlefsen from Triple-A to take Wilson’s roster spot.

San Fran had been resting Wilson through the week, hoping that some time off would allow him to avoid being placed on the DL.  But things haven’t improved to the club’s liking, and they deemed the roster move necessary.

While the Giants are in a heated race with the Diamondbacks for the NL Central crown, the club didn’t want to risk damaging Wilson long term for the sake of a short stretch of games.

"“Nobody wants to go on the disabled list right now. But we have to take care of him,” Giants head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner said. “It’s not just these next six weeks, it’s the next year and the year after.”"

After Wilson experienced discomfort during his last appearance, inflammation was discovered in his elbow, prompting the Giants to shut him down.  Wilson will rest over the next couple of days, focusing on his treatment.  At that point, San Francisco hopes to have a better idea of how long they will be without their closer.

The move means the Giants are sans the back end of their bullpen, as setup man Sergio Romo hit the DL earlier this week with similar inflammation.  In their absence, Bruce Bochy has hinted that reliever Jeremy Affeldt may fill the role of closer.

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