Huddy Returns

The Braves have been on one hot roll since their abysmal start to 2012 and today they get back one of their valued puzzle pieces in Tim Hudson.

Hudson has been recovering from spinal fusion surgery and will make his return to the mound today against the Pirates for the Braves.  Hudson is a three time All-Star and a former 20 game winner that when healthy only adds to the Braves tools to win games.

Last season, Hudson went 16-10 and had a 3.22 ERA.  Hudson underwent back surgery in the off season and he nor the team had much of an idea of what to expect.  Back surgery is not that common of an occurrence in baseball and Hudson and the team really didn’t know what to expect for recovery time and how he would feel approaching his return.

In his minor league rehab starts, Hudson went 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA in two starts for Single-A Rome but came into form in two Triple-A starts. He allowed only one earned run in 10 2/3 innings, giving up eight hits, walking five and striking out eight.  His last rehab start he worked to 110 pitches.  He is not likely to see that many in today’s game but it was a very encouraging sign prior to his return to the Majors.

Against the Pirates, he is 5-5 with a 2.65 ERA in 11 lifetime games.  At home last season, Hudson was a spectacular 10-4 at home with an outstanding 2.31 ERA.

Hudson said that he feels like he truly has his legs back under him and he is very excited for today’s start.  For the Braves, it only adds to their momentum of late and a healthy Hudson could mean even more wins for the team.