The headline is probably a bit deceptive. It's not like Giants closer Brian Wilson went to see Dr. Lewis Yocum and got good news. A moderate elbow strain is still the kind of injury that can require Tommy John surgery. There weren't high-fives exchanged in the doctor's office after the diagnosis. Probably because of the elbow injury. Unless they did it left-handed. But that'd be awkward.
From Andrew Baggarly, we have an update on Wilson's injury:
If Wilson's UCL is not fully torn, it could be considered a Grade 2 (on a scale of three) -- an injury that some pitchers opt to rehab rather than have surgery. Groeschner would not comment on that, except to say that surgery was not a slam dunk until all the facts are in.
Wilson will get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, but it sounded like Wilson was resigned to surgery, telling the Giants broadcasters that he was going to visit them regularly in the booth and "win an Emmy." He had a positive outlook on his prognosis, even before the word "moderate" was used.
"The first time I got (Tommy John surgery), I looked at it as an opportunity to throw harder," Wilson said on Sunday. "You know, 21-year-old kid, I get to throw harder? That’s pretty awesome.