It has been nearly a year since Daniel Hudson last appeared appeared on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee and undergoing season-ending surgery.
Hudson was projected to make a full recovery in time for Opening Day of the 2023 season, but that never came to be due to lingering knee discomfort and subsequent right ankle tendinitis. Hudson recently received a cortisone injection and re-started the ramping-up process with a bullpen session at the end of May.
Hudson has continued making progress and started a rehab assignment on Tuesday, throwing a perfect inning against the Arizona Complex League Mariners.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted that Hudson felt good after his appearance but cautioned he is still a few weeks away from being activated off the 60-day injured list, via SportsNet LA:
“I would say it’s still a few weeks out, but it was good [Tuesday]. It was really good. For me, sooner the better. But we’ve got to make sure Huddy is recovering well. His arm has never felt better, and now it’s just kind of making sure that knee responds well to pitching.”
Since Roberts’ comments, Hudson again pitched for the ACL Dodgers and completed another scoreless inning despite allowing a leadoff single and issuing a walk.
Rehab assignments for pitchers can last up to 30 days, so it is possible Hudson won’t return to the Dodgers until early July. Because he is currently on the 60-day IL, the team will have to clear spots on their 40-man roster and active roster in order to activate Hudson.
The 36-year-old went 2-3 with a 2.22 ERA, 2.05 FIP and 0.90 WHIP over 25 games prior to the knee injury last season. When he returns, Hudson will likely be used in high-leverage situations and potentially could take over as the Dodgers’ primary closer.
Daniel Hudson among Dodgers pitchers on IL
Of the 12 Dodgers pitchers currently on the IL, Julio Urías is the closest to returning after throwing a bullpen session and pitching in a simulated game. The left-hander is now lined up to face the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
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