Watch CBS News

Dodgers Sign Brian Wilson To 1-Year Contract

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles now has no reason to "fear the beard".

Free agent hurler Brian WIlson has signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 31-year old Wilson, who earned 171 saves through 315 career games with the San Francisco Giants between 2006 and 2012, pitched for big league scouts at UCLA last week.

Wilson has limited opposing hitters to a .238 batting average, earning 340 strikeouts. In the Giants' 2010 World Series run, Wilson struck out 16 batters through 11.2 scoreless postseason innings.

Wilson was one of the league's top relievers from 2008-2011, earning three All-Star appearances (2003, 2010, 2011). During that period, he also led the majors with 163 saves through 186 opportunities.

The New Hampshire native tied the Giants' all-time single-season saves record with 48.

Wilson underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in April 2012.

In addition to the Dodgers, other clubs that had shown interest in Wilson over the past couple of weeks were the Giants, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Wilson had stated that he wanted to join a contender, and that he had an affinity for Los Angeles.

Manager Don Mattingly has stated that he is "okay" with Wilson's trademark beard, which some had speculated would have to be shaved.

The first-placed Dodgers now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.