Giants update: Marco Scutaro's finger pain-free, Tim Hudson to build up slowly

The San Francisco Giants struggled through an extremely disappointing 2013 season, but at least good news seems to be coming out surrounding their injury concerns. Infielder Marco Scutaro has apparently recovered well after having a pin inserted in his finger last September to address tendon damage, while recently-signed pitcher Tim Hudson should be throwing off a mound with the other starters when Spring Training begins, although he will ease in slowly after last season's severe ankle injury. The news comes courtesy of CSN Bay Area's Andrew Baggarly, who spoke to head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner.Groeschner expects Tim Hudson to throw off a mound with rest of pitchers from the start of spring. But will rev up slow on other stuff.— Andrew Baggarly (@CSNBaggs) January 31, 2014Marco Scutaro also will be paced slowly at start of spring but finger is pain free following surgery.— Andrew Baggarly (@CSNBaggs) January 31, 2014Scutaro actually suffered the tendon damage - commonly called "mallet finger" - back in June, but it wasn't until September that it affected the middle infielder enough to stop him playing. The 38-year-old still hit .297 for the season, appearing in 127 games.Marco Scutaro, by Michael Marconi via Wikimedia CommonsHudson, also 38, fractured his ankle in a horrifying incident at first base in July, when Eric Young Jr. inadvertently landed on the veteran starter's ankle while trying to beat out a throw. Although Hudson announced months ago that he expected to be one hundred percent healthy by November, the Giants obviously don't want to take any chances after such a serious injury and will clearly be easing the 15-year veteran into shape during Spring Training.