Miami, FL – Three-time All-Star closer Brian Wilson, who hasn't pitched in the majors in 16 months due to elbow problems, was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to Monday's game against the Miami Marlins.
The Dodgers signed Wilson, who had spent his entire seven-year major league career with the rival San Francisco Giants, on July 30 and placed him on the DL as the colorful right-hander continued his recovery from Tommy John surgery performed in April of 2012.
Wilson pronounced himself ready to return after not allowing a run over 4 1/3 innings spanning four appearances during a rehab assignment between Triple-A Albuquerque and Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.
The 31-year-old led the National League with 48 saves with the Giants in 2010 and closed out San Francisco's championship-clinching victory in Game 5 of that year's World Series against the Texas Rangers. Wilson pitched in just two games with the Giants last season, however, before being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Wilson has saved 171 games while posting a 3.21 earned run average over 315 career appearances in the majors, though he's expected to be used in a setup role with the Dodgers with Kenley Jansen remaining as the team's closer.
Outfielder/first baseman Scott Van Slyke was optioned to Albuquerque to make room for Wilson on the active roster. The 26-year-old batted .252 with six home runs and 16 RBI in 38 games with Los Angeles this season.
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