SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -The San Francisco Giants recalled right-handed reliever Brian Wilson on Saturday, bringing up the pitcher the club once thought could be its closer of the future.
That’s still a possibility, too.
Wilson is in the big leagues for the first time this season after making his major league debut in 2006 for the Giants. He had held opposing hitters scoreless in 14 of his last 15 outings.
“He’s been throwing the ball well,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “He’s been closing down there. It’s obvious we need some help later in the ballgame.”
The Giants optioned left-hander Jonathan Sanchez to Triple-A Fresno to clear roster room for Wilson, who helps boost a taxed bullpen. San Francisco is in the middle of a stretch with 31 games in 30 days, including a makeup doubleheader Monday at Pittsburgh before series at Atlanta and Florida next week.
“Ready to rock,” Wilson said, headphones in his ears before the game.
He was sidelined May 21 to June 20 following an appendectomy and also was slowed by a strained muscle in his side.
“The last month he’s done really well,” San Francisco pitching coach Dave Righetti said. “He had a rough season from wildness and he got hurt. We needed him back on the field.”
Sanchez, still considered a possible starter down the road, struggled recently. He allowed four runs without recording an out as Pittsburgh rallied for an 8-7 win Friday night. Sanchez will likely work in long relief but also might start at Triple-A.
“He’s just a little erratic,” Righetti said. “We want to settle him down.”
Wilson made 31 appearances for the Giants in 2006, going 2-3 with a 5.40 ERA and one save. He had a 1-2 record and 2.10 ERA with 11 saves in 13 opportunities for the Grizzlies before being promoted Saturday.
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