Giants Closer Wilson To Start Title Defense On DL
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS Sports) - The defending world champion will open the season without its star closer. Brian Wilson will be placed on the disabled list with an injured oblique muscle, the official annoucement expected Wednesday, and won't join the team until April 5 at the earliest. It's the 15-day disabled list, but teams can backdate DL-stints up to 10 days coming out of spring training.
Wilson, 29, did have a successful bullpen session Tuesday -- the first time he's thrown off the mound in about two weeks.
"He felt great today," Gianta manager Bruce Bochy said. "I'm very encouraged with his progress, and we'll decide tomorrow his next move. I don't think he'll start the season with us, but it's good to see him feeling good, and he's letting it go."
Bochy will rely on Jeremy Affeldt, Sergio Romo and Javier Lopez in some combination in Wilson's absence, but it's not a huge deal if he only misses a few games.
Wilson made the All-Star team for the second time in 2010. He led the majors with 48 saves, also sporting an impressive 1.81 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings. He saved six games in the playoffs without allowing a single earned run.
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