Grin and beard it for Giants closer Wilson

Brian Wilson has no regrets about how many times he pitched during the San Francisco Giants' improbable 2010 World Series title run. Nor about how he handled his rehabilitation program this winter, and certainly not how he stayed on the mound at Colorado last week despite ligament damage in his arm.

"Absolutely not," he said. "That's how I play baseball. Push it to the limits."

He's reached his limit.

The Giants' bearded and boisterous closer said before Sunday's series finale in San Francisco against the Pirates that he will probably have elbow-reconstruction surgery, ending his season after only 56 pitches, two appearances and one save. He was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list, clearing space for Ryan Vogelsong to come off the DL and start Sunday's game.

Rehab time is typically a year to 18 months, but Wilson is remaining upbeat.

"My spirits aren't down," he said. "I know a lot of people are sad. I know Giants fans are probably going to look at this as like a huge loss. But we have the best bullpen in the league . . . and they're going to fill in my role as best they can.

"I don't think they're going to falter. I think we're going to take the West no matter what."

Branca back on mound

Ralph Branca threw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park Sunday, 65 years after his former teammate, Jackie Robinson, broke baseball's color barrier. Branca, 86, threw the pitch to his son-in-law, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine.

Scully back in booth

Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully returned to Dodger Stadium after missing five games because of a cold. The 84-year-old had broadcast the first four games at San Diego, but missed the home opener for the first time in 35 years. "In my own private world," he said, "this is my Opening Day." -- AP