In search of bullpen depth, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed veteran right-hander Daniel Hudson to a Minor League contract just days into the regular season. He began his 2018 campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City, but earned a promotion to the Majors a mere three weeks into April.
From that point on, Hudson became a mainstay of the Dodgers bullpen. He struggled in May but bounced back the following month with a minuscule 0.60 ERA across 15 innings of work.
By July, Hudson was entrusted as one of the Dodgers’ main setup pitchers. Of his 12 appearances that month, seven of them came in the eighth inning or later.
Hampered by right forearm tightness, the 31-year-old was limited to only three games in August. Hudson’s 2018 campaign effectively came to an end in the following month when he was transferred to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Tony Cingrani.
Across 40 games with the Dodgers, Hudson posted a 4.11 ERA, 4.37 FIP and 1.22 WHIP over 46 innings pitched. He recorded 44 strikeouts against 18 walks and allowed six home runs in those appearances.
2018 Highlight
On May 2 against his former Arizona Diamondbacks club, Hudson logged two perfect innings of relief while recording three strikeouts. He earned a win for his efforts and helped the Dodgers snap a four-game losing streak in the process.
2019 Outlook
Hudson was one of seven Dodgers players to reach free agency at the conclusion of the World Series. While his numbers didn’t jump out as all that impressive, he should have no problem securing another Minor League contract at the very least this offseason.
