Daniel Hudson Says it’s ‘Looking Pretty Strong’ He Returns This Year

Dodgers' relief pitcher Daniel Hudson battled back from a torn ACL only to injure his right MCL after just three appearances. 

It was a tragic sight for a man who worked so hard to get back into the big leagues. It was also an unfortunate loss for a Dodger bullpen that could use Hudson's experience. "Huddy" has a career 3.79 ERA in his 17 seasons in Major League Baseball.

He was performing admirably in relief for the Dodgers in 2023, not allowing a run across the 3 innings he played despite having a WHIP of 1.67.

When Hudson exited the mound last, it seemed that his season was over. However, Hudson recently said that he thinks he has a chance to return.

"I don't want to kick the can too far down the road. It's just one step at a time," Hudson said. "But there's a lot of optimism right now that I could return before the end of the season." 

(Via The Orange County Register)

Hudson said that he was in a dark place for a while after the injury. After all, the 36-year-old has injured his UCL twice in his career in addition to the ACL and MCL injuries.

"It sucks but it's part of it. I've been pretty blessed to be in this situation," Hudson said. "For whatever reason, I've been pretty lucky to be in some good situations with some good organizations that had my back and were in my corner. Especially this one the last two years. Joust those freak injuries, man. I don't even know what else to say about it."

(Via The Orange County Register)

It isn't clear when, if at all, Hudson will return to the big leagues this season. But Hudson feels that he has an important role in the Dodgers' playoff hopes — if he is healthy enough to meaningfully contribute.

“We’re not going to try and put a date on it," Hudson said. "I would ideally like to get into a handful of games before the playoffs. Get my feet underneath me. I feel like I could help this team in the playoffs. But I also don’t want to be just thrown out there and take up a roster spot from someone else who could give them more consistency because I’ve thrown in so few games this year. Like I said, it’s cautious optimism. But right now it’s looking pretty strong.”

(Via The Orange County Register)