On pace for a solid year as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen, 12-year veteran Daniel Hudson’s 2022 was cut short due to suffering a torn ACL in his left knee while attempting to make a play off the mound against the Atlanta Braves on June 24.
Hudson, a former fifth-round draft pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2008, was a quality contributor before the injury derailed his second stint as a member of the Dodgers. Hudson went 2-3 with a 2.22 ERA and 0.90 WHIp across 25 appearances.
A former World Series champion as a member of the 2019 Washington Nationals, who was on the mound for their final clinching out against the Houston Astros, Hudson has a career 3.81 ERA across nearly 790 innings on the big league mound.
Fortunate that the torn ACL did not result in a career-ending injury, the 35-year-old has already begun rehabbing the injury and could be ready to vow for a. bullpen spot once Spring Training begins.
Clearly anticipating his full recovery from the injury, the Dodgers signed Hudson to a one-year, $6.5 million contract for next season. His deal includes a team option for 2024 as well.
Daniel Hudson 2022 highlight
Despite his season only totaling 25 appearances, Hudson’s short time on the mound proved him to be a reliable reliever for Los Angeles.
Across seven outings on the mound in the month of April, he posted an impressive 1.35 ERA in 6.2 innings of work allowing just four total hits and an earned run. Hudson also notched eight strikeouts and an 0.75 WHIP during the month.
2023 outlook
Signed and set for a return to the mound in 2023, Hudson should be considered one of the most viable options to come out of the Dodgers bullpen.
Although his age might be looked upon negatively by some, he has a proven track record of reliability and experience. Along with fellow relievers Brusdar Graterol, Alex Vesia and Phil Bickford, Hudson can be an additional option for manager Dave Roberts late in games throughout the 2023 season.
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