SAN FRANCISCO — Giants closer Brian Wilson is likely headed for surgery on his right elbow after an MRI revealed structural damage and an issue with the ligament, and his season could be in jeopardy.
SAN FRANCISCO — Giants closer Brian Wilson is likely headed for surgery on his right elbow after an MRI revealed structural damage and an issue with the ligament, and his season could be in jeopardy.
Manager Bruce Bochy and athletic trainer Dave Groeschner said Saturday the club will seek at least one other opinion and probably two, including from the renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, who performs Tommy John elbow-reconstruction surgeries.
“There’s definitely some issues there,” Bochy said. “Initially I was just being optimistic he would be fine, but after the test done yesterday it doesn’t look very good right now. … Likely he’s looking at surgery.”
The 30-year-old Wilson, who led the majors with 48 saves in 2010, already had one Tommy John surgery during college. The three-time All-Star right-hander complained of discomfort in the elbow Friday and then was sent for tests. He was to be examined again by team orthopedist Dr. Ken Akizuki on Saturday night, and is to be placed on the 15-day disabled list by today to clear roster room for starter Ryan Vogelsong to come off the DL.
Groeschner said Tommy John surgery “would be a possibility” because of the structural issues. And if Wilson needs work on the ligament, Groeschner acknowledged that could cost the reliever his season.
“There’s some concern,” said Groeschner, who noted Wilson was having trouble just playing catch. “He’s stiff. He can’t move it great. It’s not really anything you can see visually.”
Recovery time for Tommy John surgery is typically a year to 18 months, though many managers have noted players seem to be coming back on the shorter end of the time frame lately.
Wilson wasn’t available for the home opener against Pittsburgh on Friday, when Matt Cain tossed a one-hitter. Wilson threw 32 pitches at Colorado on Thursday while working on back-to-back days. Groeschner said Wilson felt something in the elbow that day but told the team Friday.