Major League Baseball

Wilson lands on DL because of elbow

Published Aug. 21, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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The San Francisco Giants placed closer Brian Wilson on the disabled list Sunday.

Wilson, 29, is suffering from elbow inflammation. The right-hander has not pitched since Monday, when he allowed three runs, three hits and two walks in only two-thirds of an inning while suffering a blown save at Atlanta. He will be eligible to return Aug. 31.

Wilson, who has become known as much for his beard as his pitching, has 35 saves this year, but his 3.19 ERA is more than a run more than last year's mark of 1.81. With five blown saves this year, he has equaled his 2010 total, when he posted 48 saves.

Steve Edlefsen, a 26-year-old right-hander, was called up from Triple-A Fresno to take Wilson's roster spot. Edlefsen, who has no major league experience, had a 5.66 ERA in 32 relief appearances with Fresno.

The Giants are struggling in their bid to repeat as World Series champions, having slipped 2-1/2 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West. Injuries are a big reason why.

Wilson is on the DL for the second time this season, having started the season on the shelf because of a strained left oblique muscle. The Giants' headline acquisition, outfielder Carlos Beltran, is on the DL because of a strained right hand and wrist. Catcher Eli Whiteside is sidelined because of a concussion. Left-hander Jonathan Sanchez is missing his scheduled start today because of a sprained left ankle. Third baseman Pablo Sandoval is playing through a shoulder strain. And setup reliever Sergio Romo is on the DL because of an elbow strain.

Of course, the biggest injury came back in May, when star catcher Buster Posey, the team's best hitter, suffered a broken leg and tore ankle ligaments in a home-plate collision.