Dodgers News: Reliever Daniel Hudson Should Be In The Mix For Save Chances Going Forward

If you're looking to bolster the Dodgers bullpen this season, Daniel Hudson might be worth considering. He's been an impressive starter this year and should be in contention for save chances moving forward.

With Brad Hand having been traded to the Blue Jays, Washington will look to Daniel Hudson as their top closer. Tanner Rainey and Will Harris are also expected to join in on the action.

Reliever Daniel Hudson Provides An Encouraging Update On His Injury

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Daniel Hudson has been undergoing an intensive rehab program since tearing his left ACL in June. It is expected that it could take up to six months for him to fully recover and will remain sidelined for the foreseeable future, but he is making positive strides.

This week, Hudson, 35 years old, threw a bullpen session and felt good afterwards. According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, they hope Hudson continues his progress throughout the offseason and will be ready for Spring Training when pitchers report.

Hudson was one of the Dodgers' standout relievers this season, and his performances have been instrumental to their success with a thin bullpen. In 25 appearances, he boasted a 2.22 ERA while striking out 30 batters over 24.1 innings.

He has compiled an impressive 59-40 record with a 3.86 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 12 seasons, recording more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings during that span. Furthermore, he has recorded five saves and nine holds during his time with the Dodgers.

Hudson has been working closely with team doctors during his rehabilitation process. Additionally, the former White Sox pitcher is strengthening his ankles, which have been bothering him.

His rehab efforts have been successful, as he has yet to experience any setbacks during spring training. According to Harris, it appears likely that Hudson will be ready for action in Cactus League games by the first or second week of March and should provide plenty of save opportunities when the regular season commences.

Ultimately, the Dodgers are hoping that Hudson can help them return to being a perennial World Series contender. While they already have some intriguing arms they could potentially bring into the fold, Hudson will be an integral part of their relief staff for years to come. His record as a late-inning reliever means the Dodgers need all they can get out of their bullpen in the near future; with Hudson back, the Dodgers can keep pressure off rivals in the National League West.

Hudson Is Expected To Be Ready For Opening Day

Hudson, who is recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee and right ankle tendinitis, is expected to be ready for opening day. Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports that Hudson threw a bullpen session Thursday; still deciding his role, the 35-year-old veteran reliever should make it to Cactus League training camp in March and be in contention for save chances.

At present, it remains uncertain if Hudson can pitch the full season. He's a reliable innings eater with quality control issues which could limit his opportunities. However, if he returns to form, the Dodgers could have an effective multi-inning reliever in close games with Jordan Hicks on the disabled list.

Manager Dave Roberts will have the final say when selecting where Hudson fits in the bullpen, taking into account factors like the rest of the starting rotation, standings and who has been in the bullpen throughout spring training.

A strong bullpen is essential for the Dodgers, as they have a heavy hitting lineup. A good bullpen could help them win more games during the regular season than they lose; however, a bad one could mean the difference between making the playoffs or missing them altogether.

Hudson can serve as a multi-inning reliever, capable of getting ground balls in tight games to help the Dodgers maintain their lead. He could also serve as an effective backup to closer Craig Kimbrel.

Last year, Hector Santiago was a reliable relief pitcher with a 2.22 ERA in 25 appearances. While he may not be the long-term solution while recovering from his two Tommy John surgeries, Santiago's performance serves as an encouraging sign for the Dodgers as they look to defend their World Series title this summer.

The Dodgers boast an experienced bullpen with Yency Almonte, Alex Vesia and Evan Phillips to cover any potential injuries to their closer. The team needs a reliever who can throw multiple innings while being effective with his fastball-slider mix; Hudson could fill that role perfectly.

Hudson Is In The Mix For Save Chances

Hudson has much to gain by staying healthy, especially given the abundance of relievers with little or no major league experience. Although manager Dave Roberts is uncertain how the bullpen will look during the initial month of the season, Hudson should at least be considered for save opportunities.

Hudson had been one of the Dodgers' top relievers before suffering a left knee tear and having surgery in June. Although he had an outside chance at returning for Opening Day, ankle tendinitis has hindered his recovery process and put into question his status.

Losing Hudson to injury is a devastating blow for the Dodgers, who already were without starting pitcher Blake Treinen until after the All-Star break due to shoulder issues. That leaves them with an already thin bullpen and one that has already been further compromised by Stefen Romero's recent addition to their active roster from Triple-A.

Hudson is an ideal fit for the Dodgers' setup role, boasting a 2.22 ERA and 30.9% strikeout-to-walk rate that make him an All-Star Game candidate. He's also an impressive ground ball pitcher with an impressive 53.2% ground-ball rate and high percentage of sliders put into play when grounded up by him.

These numbers are a bit of a letdown for Hudson, who was hoping to increase his option value and earn more money this season as his contract nears its end. That being said, Hudson's impressive start could help boost his stock when it comes time to pick up that option; however, that won't happen without another successful campaign in the majors this year.

According to town planner Brian Groth, Hudson's location along the lower Hudson River is one of its greatest assets. It boasts two industrial parks with economic revitalization zones as well as a variety of employers ranging from electronics giant BAE Systems and metal manufacturer APW Enclosures to small businesses. Furthermore, it's close to Massachusetts and New Hampshire commercial centers which makes Hudson an attractive place for entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Hudson has long drawn e-commerce companies; recently approved zoning amendment to increase building height from 50 feet may attract even more warehouses in future.

Hudson Is Expected To Be Ready For The Regular Season

Daniel Hudson, the Dodgers' top setup reliever (knee/ankle), is making progress during spring training. After throwing bullpen sessions last week, the veteran righty should be ready to face hitters soon enough.

It is encouraging news for the 35-year-old, who underwent surgery last June to repair a torn ACL in his left knee and was dealing with right ankle tendinitis earlier this month. Now healthy and back playing soccer, he should be among the contenders for save chances to start the season.

Hudson was one of the best set-up men in baseball when healthy, posting a 2.22 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 30 strikeouts over 24.1 innings last year. Additionally, his fastball and change-up proved effective.

He had a 97-mph fastball that moved vertically and horizontally, as well as a slider with plenty of action. His command was excellent, and he did an admirable job of staying out of high-leverage situations by throwing his pitch on the inner half of the plate.

After two sets of injuries and rehabs, Hudson has been able to adapt his mechanics for the bullpen role and has thrown several impressive bullpen sessions. While he still needs some fine-tuning, Hudson appears on track and should be ready to make an impact when the season starts in Los Angeles.

It's worth noting that the Dodgers have other options to consider for save chances, with Chris Heston, Andrew Toles and Nick Punto being some of the more prominent candidates. Even if Hudson doesn't make it onto Opening Day's roster, his experience and talent could help fill in for any of those candidates if he doesn't receive a call up.

Ultimately, the team must find someone to replace Conklin at swing tackle. Hudson could be a viable option in the short term but won't be sufficient long term solution.