The profile of former San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson has taken a significant hit in recent months. However, he may be arriving just in time to get some cache back in his career.
According to a published report from Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing to call up Wilson to the active, 25-man roster this weekend. Wilson would certainly not be placed in the closer role, as Los Angeles has the red-hot Kenley Jansen (and his 12.91 K/9 rate) in the role. However, Wilson could be asked to throw high-leverage innings in the very near future.
Through 4 Minor League outings since signing with LA, Wilson has been electric, throwing 4.1 scoreless innings. Obviously, this is a small sample size against minimal competition, but with Wilson’s track record, there is reason to believe that he could be very effective.
In San Francisco, Wilson saved 35+ games in four straight seasons from 2008 through 2011, and he was very good in the process. For his career, Wilson has a 3.21 ERA with a 9.56 K/9 strikeout rate, but at his peak, those numbers were even better than that. His velocity is reportedly in the low-90’s, however, and he will probably need to see that tick up in order to reach his previous peak.
This isn’t exactly a high-profile promotion for the red-hot Dodgers (who are currently 20 games over .500 at 70-50), but Wilson could really help them in the playoffs if he can find his pre-injury form. They can afford to give him a long look with a 7.5 game lead in the division, and he’ll be given every opportunity to make a mark on this 2013 season.