Daniel Hudson signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the offseason and ended up becoming a key bullpen arm before tearing his ACL in Late June.
At 35 years old, Hudson is nearing the end of his career, but he hoped the injury would not be the last memory of his time in the league and intended to play again. Still, it was unclear what his future would hold with his health in question and no contract guaranteed for the 2023 season.
But on Thursday, the Dodgers provided Hudson with a bit more clarity as they reportedly picked up his club option for the 2023 season, which also will include another option for 2024, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN:
The Los Angeles Dodgers are picking up right-hander Daniel Hudson’s $6.5 million option for the 2023 season, sources tell ESPN. He was fantastic for them before a freak ACL tear ended his season. Dodgers also will get a club option likely to be worth around $6.5 million for 2024.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 22, 2022
Hudson described his torn ACL as “extremely frustrating,” and added that it’s “the first major injury that wasn’t my arm. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. But at this stage in my career, it’s kind of concerning, and it’s hard not to have bad thoughts. Hopefully, I can get through this and maybe give it another shot.”
The recovery timeline for Hudson was estimated to be around six to nine months and he recently said his recovery is going well. He also believes it won’t delay him from where he would be at the start of the season if he had a normal offseason.
Prior to the injury, the right-hander threw 24.1 innings with a 2.22 ERA, 2.05 FIP and 0.90 WHIP while striking out 30.9% of hitters and walking 5.2%. The veteran reliever will be 36 years old at the start of the 2023 season.
Dodgers activate Brusdar Graterol
The Dodgers reinstated Brusdar Graterol from the 15-day injured list and optioned Justin Bruihl to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to their series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Graterol returns after missing three weeks with right elbow inflammation. An MRI revealed only inflammation and no ligament damage in his elbow, which allowed Graterol to quickly begin a throwing program.
He previously spent more than one month on the IL with right shoulder inflammation and only appeared in four games before being sidelined once again.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
