Daniel Hudson made just three appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year before sustaining a season-ending MCL sprain in his right knee. That came after his 2022 season was cut short due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
The soon-to-be-37-year-old pondered retirement during the offseason but decided to re-sign with the Dodgers on a Minor League contract for what will be his 15th MLB campaign.
Hudson has somewhat struggled this spring as he entered Thursday with a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP in four Cactus League appearances.
Despite the poor results, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Hudson will be part of the Dodgers bullpen in 2024 but could not say when that might happen, via Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“I think Huddy looks really good — he’s going to be in our bullpen,” manager Dave Roberts said this week. “We’ve just got to figure out the buildup because he missed significant time last year. It’s more making sure we have open conversations on where he’s at physically and performance-wise as we start the season.”
“I just don’t think there’s a hard date for Huddy,” Roberts said. “That just speaks to the relationship that we have with him and the conversation. When he’s ready, when we feel he’s ready, then we’ll make that decision.”
With Roberts reiterating that Hudson will be part of the Dodgers bullpen, it’s difficult to envision him opting out of his contract. Even if the right-hander doesn’t break camp with the team, he could begin the year in Triple-A and receive a call-up later after shaking off some more rust.
Hudson’s last full MLB season came in 2021, when he posted a 3.31 ERA, 3.21 FIP, 1.08 WHIP and 13.1 strikeouts per nine over 54 appearances between the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres.
Hudson has been effective for the Dodgers when healthy as he owns a 5-5 record with six saves, a 3.31 ERA, 3.54 FIP and 1.13 WHIP across 73.1 innings pitched across 68 appearances (one start) in parts of three seasons.
Hudson would need to be added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster in order for him to join the big league roster this season.
Daniel Hudson still has ‘some left in the tank’
Hudson recently explained that he opted to continue his career because he believes he still has something to offer to a Major League club.
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