During last Wednesday’s pre-game media briefing in the Dodger dugout, Dodger manager Don Mattingly was asked when we can expect to see reliever Brian Wilson join the team. Judging by Mattingly’s answers, you would have thought that it was a matter of national security or that Mattingly was answering questions before a Senate Judiciary hearing or something.

Wilson made 4 minor league appearances allowing no runs and only one hit in 4.1 innings pitched. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Question: “Is there a chance Wilson could join you on the road trip (to Philadelphia and Miami)?”

Mattingly: “Ya, I guess there’s a chance.”

Question: “Definitely not Friday night, correct?”

Mattingly: “Again, I think with him we’re continuing to get ready when we activate him or bring him in.”

Question: “Are you just stretching him out?”

Mattingly: “No we’re just… just getting ready, and when we bring him up we’ll let you know.”

Question: “He’s not ready now?”

Mattingly: “I didn’t say he wasn’t ready. We’ll let you know when we bring him up. We haven’t activated him, so he’s… he’s not active. He’s still… rehabbing, or whatever.”

Question: “Can you say he’ll make another appearance in the minors?”

Mattingly: “I can’t say that… I can’t say that he won’t”

“We’re just… just getting ready, and when we bring him up we’ll let you know.”
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

There you have it – clear as mud.

But why? Why all of the subterfuge? That is something that only Don Mattingly can answer, but of course will not. It’s obvious that he has been instructed from above not to say anything about Wilson to the media or to anyone else.

Not tipping your hand is commonplace in these types of media briefings – you don’t want to let your opponents know your game plan. But when and where Brian Wilson gets activated isn’t really a game plan because when he would be used is an unknown factor.

It is understandable not wanting to create any anxiety or speculation in the Dodger bullpen about who gets sent down or who gets designated for assignment to make room for Wilson, and perhaps this is Mattingly’s reason for all of the cloak-and-dagger antics. But let’s be honest here – the guys in the bullpen aren’t stupid. They certainly know that somebody has to go to make room for Wilson, so even this argument doesn’t hold water.

Whatever the reason(s), it is safe to say that a decision regarding Wilson is imminent. It is also safe to say that there will probably be more drama until that decision is finally made.