Daniel Hudson was limited to only three appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year before he sustained 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 37-year-old pondered retirement during the offseason but decided to return to the Dodgers for his 15th MLB season. He re-signed with the team on a Minor League contract that includes incentives.
Hudson didn’t fare too well in Spring Training but still earned a spot on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster due to Brusdar Graterol’s shoulder injury.
Hudson explained that he only considered a return to the Dodgers after deciding to continue his career, via Cary Osborne of Dodger Insider:
“Once I figured out that I wanted to give it another shot, I only wanted to come back here,” Hudson said.
While his Spring Training results left a lot to be desired, Hudson has been off to a solid start with the Dodgers. They’ve relied on him in high leverage situations, acting as a bridge to Evan Phillips, who is currently on the 15-day injured list, and as a closer in some situations as well.
He’s struggled with the long ball a bit this season, but he’s been effective overall and still has the strikeout stuff necessary to be a reliable option at the back end of the bullpen.
With Alex Vesia pitching well, Blake Treinen back to form and Phillips on the way back off the IL, the Dodgers have the potential to have one of the best bullpens in baseball.
Daniel Hudson feels like he ‘owes’ Dodgers to stay healthy & contribute
After throwing a combined 27.1 innings between the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Hudson said he owes the Dodgers to stay healthy and contribute this year. If his early success is any indication, the right-hander appears poised to make good on his word.
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