Dodgers Sign Deal with Brian Wilson and His Beard

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Beard is back in baseball.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed free-agent reliever Brian Wilson to a one-year contract.

He hasn't pitched in the major leagues since April 12, 2012, the same month he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

Wilson was one of the majors' top relievers from 2008-11 with the San Francisco Giants. He was a three-time All-Star and led the big leagues with 163 saves in 186 chances.

He was a key reliever during the Giants' run to the 2010 World Series championship, striking out 16 in 11 2-3 scoreless innings in the postseason.

Wilson is 20-20 with 171 saves in 315 career games with the Giants. The 31-year-old pitcher has limited opposing hitters to a .238 batting average during his career with 340 strikeouts in 320 innings.