The Los Angeles Dodgers spent a solid portion of the offseason adding talent to their bullpen by investing in veteran arms, including Daniel Hudson returning.
Joe Kelly and Ryan Brasier were brought back on big league contracts, and the Dodgers exercised a $1 million team option on Blake Treinen. Meanwhile, Hudson and the likes of Nabil Crismatt, T.J. McFarland, Jesse Hahn and Justin Wilson were signed to Minor League contracts.
Hudson has endured an inconsistent start to the spring, lacking his usual feel and command. The right-hander is entering a critical stage and likely earning a spot in the Dodgers bullpen for Opening Day.
His contract includes an available opt out if Hudson isn’t on the big league roster by March 15. However, the veteran isn’t likely to leave the organization, per Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
But Hudson will probably stay if the Dodgers assure him he is in their immediate plans, even if he is not added to the roster for the season-opening series against the San Diego Padres in South Korea on March 20-21.
Entering his 15th season, Hudson has battled various knee injuries in back-to-back years with the Dodgers. But his pedigree and performance when healthy is where the continued interest in his services remains.
Hudson can still be a solid piece to a backend reliever unit, with consistency the final box he has to check.
Daniel Hudson to be in Dodgers bullpen
Hudson has somewhat struggled this spring, as he’s carrying 4.15 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in five Cactus League appearances.
Despite the poor results, manager Dave Roberts has long planned to have Hudson as part of the Dodgers bullpen. That has become all the more likely with Brusdar Graterol ruled out for Opening Day because of hip tightness and right shoulder discomfort.
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