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Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
Daniel Hudson was determined to play a key role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen last year after a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ended his 2022 season early.
Unfortunately, the veteran relief pitcher suffered from lingering discomfort in his left knee and also began experiencing tendonitis in his right ankle during spring training. As a result, Hudson will start the season on the 15-day injured list, and his 2023 debut has been postponed until the end of June.
Hudson returned to the mound for the Dodgers about a month after revealing he needed a cortisone injection to get over the final hurdle in his recovery from a torn ACL.
“There was more inflammation and tendonitis in the area of the patella where the graft was taken,” Hudson explained. “It bothered me a little bit and held me back towards the end of camp. I tried to keep going, but I just couldn’t get over the hump. So I got a little aggressive and did some injections and now I’m feeling better. has improved.”
The Dodgers were eager to have Hudson back, but he played in just three games before suffering a season-ending MCL sprain in his right knee. Manager Dave Roberts then left open the possibility that Hudson could pitch again in 2023, but that would require the Dodgers to at least advance to the National League Championship Series.
They didn’t give Hudson that opportunity, as they were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League District Series.
Thus, Hudson’s 2023 season started with just three appearances, earning five strikeouts and allowing two hits while giving up three walks in three scoreless innings.
Hudson’s last appearance for the Dodgers was on July 5, when he made a dramatic save against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hudson showed emotion as he recorded his final out, and it was initially thought it had to do with a high-pressure moment.
However, it was later revealed that Hudson sprained his MCL midway through the ninth inning, but held on to seal the Dodgers’ 6-4 victory.
The save will be Hudson’s first since June 8, 2022.
Outlook for 2024
The Dodgers declined Hudson’s $6.5 million team option for the 2024 season, which does not include a buyout. He considered his retirement, but re-signed with the Dodgers on a minor league contract.
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