Arizona Diamondbacks linked to free agent RP Brian Wilson
Jul 29, 2013, 8:25 PM | Updated: 8:25 pm
Not long ago, Brian Wilson was considered to be one of the best relief pitchers in baseball.
From 2008 to 2011, he accumulated 163 saves to go along with a 3.00 ERA, and helped lead the Giants to the 2010 World Series championship.
However, an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery sidelined the right-hander in 2012, and now the free agent pitcher is looking for a team to sign him.
USA Today baseball writer Bob Nightengale tweeted that the D-backs were one of four National League teams — and nine total squads — to have interest, and even added that Arizona was considered to be a “strong front runner.”
However, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro says that’s not the case.
Diamondbacks not in on free agent reliever Brian Wilson who had Tommy John surgery in April of 2012
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo620) July 29, 2013
The D-backs are likely a popular pick to land the pitcher due to their bullpen’s season-long struggles, and a healthy and effective Wilson would be an excellent resource for manager Kirk Gibson to turn to late in games.
However, there is no telling what kind of pitcher Wilson will be when he returns, and the D-backs may not be too interested in finding out first-hand.