Giants’ Brian Wilson to start season on disabled list

San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson will begin this season on the disabled list.

The long-expected move was made official Wednesday. Wilson, who led the majors with 48 saves last season, strained a muscle on his left side March 17. He has been throwing bullpen sessions and is eligible to come off the DL on April 6.

The Giants also designated Travis Ishikawa for assignment and announced that rookie Brandon Belt made the 25-man roster and will start at first base against the Dodgers on Thursday. Aubrey Huff will move to right field.

Etc.

Second baseman Luis Castillo, 35, was released by the Philadelphia Phillies after a brief tryout as a fill-in for injured Chase Utley. The Phillies signed Castillo to a minor league deal March 21, three days after he was let go by the New York Mets. Utley is out because of a knee problem and there is no timetable for his return. … As expected, the Cleveland Indians put center fielder Grady Sizemore on the 15-day DL. Sizemore is recovering from off-season microfracture surgery on his left knee and probably won’t be ready to play with the Indians for a few more weeks. … Outfielder Corey Hart and catcher Jonathan Lucroy were put on the 15-day DL by the Milwaukee Brewers. Hart strained muscles in his left side early in spring training. Lucroy broke his right pinkie Feb. 23 during a drill and had surgery the next day. Lucroy resumed catching this week but is not ready to play. … The Oakland Athletics put right-handers Rich Harden and Andrew Bailey on the 15-day DL retroactive to March 22. Harden has a strained muscle below his shoulder and Bailey has a strained forearm. … Retired closer Billy Wagner was released by the Atlanta Braves in an unusual agreement that allows the team to protect his rights if he returns in 2011. Wagner, fifth all-time with 422 saves, had a $6.5-million option for the 2011 season when he retired last season.