Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brian Wilson appears to be close to returning to the big league diamond. According to multiple sources, the former San Francisco Giant is expected to be activated Sunday after successfully throwing the equivalent of 1.1 innings in a simulated game on Friday. Wilson threw to Dee Gordon, Nick Punto and Matt Kemp (twice). He wore number 00.
Wilson has been solid in his recent minor league appearances, throwing 3.1 scoreless innings.
The Dodgers are hoping Wilson can add to a bullpen that has been very dominant recently. In July, Dodgers relievers led the National League with a 2.52 ERA and have become even more dangerous in August with a 1.97 ERA, according to ESPN stats.
Wilson was signed to a one-year, $1 million contract last month. He has not pitched since undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Manager Don Mattingly and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt watched Wilson’s simulated game. Mattingly compared what he saw Friday to Wilson’s time with San Francisco and said, “He looks pretty much the same (as he did with the Giants),” according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
Wilson is a former All-Star closer with a career that includes 171 saves and an ERA of 3.21. His best season was 2010 where he posted a 1.81 ERA, recorded 48 saves and won a World Series ring.
His experience in pressure moments in big games will be extremely valuable to the Dodgers down the stretch. And if you are unfamiliar with Wilson’s personality…
…he certainly is a character.
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