Phillies Rumor: Pitcher Brian Wilson Attempting Comeback
The Beard wants to pitch, and the Phillies should give him a call
For four seasons Brian Wilson was among the best closers in all of baseball. Today he’s looking to make a comeback.
Injuries piled up faster than crumbs in the beard for Wilson, who underwent two Tommy John surgeries, as well as a procedure on his shoulder.
Now clean-shaven, the 34-year-old is looking to write a new chapter in his professional career. This time he wants to be a knuckleball-throwing starter.
Wilson reportedly toyed with the knuckleball throughout his career but was never given the green light to throw it. After working out for two teams and giving a brief media exhibition, Wilson said that his pitch “was an MVP-Cy Young knuckleball. You can write that down, too. No joke.”
Whether or not the Phillies were present when the former All-Star threw off the mound is unknown. Regardless, a player such as Wilson fits the MO of general manager Matt Klentak; a veteran coming off a bump in his career looking to rebuild himself.
Any team looking to sign Wilson would most likely attempt to keep him in the bullpen. If the Phillies did give Wilson a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, the veteran could conceivably compete for the closer job. If not, he’s a great personality the players, coaches, and fans enjoy seeing.
Having a former All-Star helping the young guns in Triple-A or in the major league clubhouse would not hurt either. Hector Neris, Jeanmar Gomez, and Edubray Ramos could each learn a thing or two from Wilson.
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Wilson has pitched six games inside Citizens Bank Park and holds a 3.60 ERA in those limited appearances.