Feb 24, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Daniel Hudson against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

Dave Roberts: Daniel Hudson ‘Will Be In’ Dodgers Bullpen

Originally posted on Dodger Blue | By Matt Borelli | Last updated 3/7/24

Daniel Hudson made just three appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year before sustaining a season-ending MCL sprain in his right knee. That came after his 2022 season was cut short due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.

The soon-to-be-37-year-old pondered retirement during the offseason but decided to re-sign with the Dodgers on a Minor League contract for what will be his 15th MLB campaign.

Hudson has somewhat struggled this spring as he entered Thursday with a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP in four Cactus League appearances.

Despite the poor results, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Hudson will be part of the Dodgers bullpen in 2024 but could not say when that might happen, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:

Daniel Hudson “will be in our bullpen,” Dave Roberts said. Hudson is on a minor league deal that has an opt out, but there’s no “hard date” to decide if he’ll make the club out of camp.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 6, 2024

According to Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times, Hudson can exercise his opt-out clause on March 15 if he wishes to pursue opportunities elsewhere:

#Dodgers MGR Dave Roberts said that reliever Daniel Hudson, who missed most of last season because of a knee injury, “will be in our bullpen.” Hudson is on a minor league deal with a March 15 opt-out.

— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) March 6, 2024

With Roberts reiterating that Hudson will be part of the Dodgers bullpen, it’s difficult to envision him opting out of his contract. Even if the right-hander doesn’t break camp with the team, he could begin the year in Triple-A and receive a call-up later after shaking off some more rust.

Hudson’s last full MLB season came in 2021, when he posted a 3.31 ERA, 3.21 FIP, 1.08 WHIP and 13.1 strikeouts per nine over 54 appearances between the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres.

Hudson has been effective for the Dodgers when healthy as he owns a 5-5 record with six saves, a 3.31 ERA, 3.54 FIP and 1.13 WHIP across 73.1 innings pitched across 68 appearances (one start) in parts of three seasons.

Hudson would need to be added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster in order for him to join the big league roster this season.