Results tagged ‘ Tim Hudson ’

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.

Braves Worries

Chipper1.jpgThe Braves started 2011 on a hot streak.  They looked like they were going to be the team to beat.  Now, they find themselves just 1.5 games ahead of the Mets who are in last place in the NL East.  

The Braves have had a lot of close games.  Those 1 run losses that have plagued both the team and their fans for years now.  The almost wins.  The team has had a lot less run production, outside of the 10 they put on the Dodgers, than what would have been expected with their great lineup.  
The pitching has been serviceable.  But the bullpen has gotten very worn down.  Moylan on the DL, Venters on rest.  Calling up Cory Gearrin from AAA to rest the bullpen even more.  Using Martinez three days in a row.  It’s been very taking on the pen for the Braves so far this season.
The team has had some great wins, but it is the losses that stick out most.  The extra inning loss, the 1 run losses.  They have a 9 and 12 record on the season and are 4-6 over their last 10 games.  A long road trip out West has also taken its toll.  
Chipper Jones is experiencing a sharp pain in his right knee, not the surgically repaired left knee.  A pain he admits he has had for the past 10 days or so.  A pain that may keep him out of the Saturday game versus the Giants and Tim Lincecum.  Chipper has been an offensive catalyst for the Braves and they would miss him greatly if he has to miss any time.  Continuing to play on a hurt knee though is just asking for an even longer stretch of lost time if he should injure it even more.
The Braves face off with the Giants on Saturday afternoon with the Tim vs Tim show on the mound.  Lincecum versus Hudson.  Lincecum is throwing hot and has a 1.67 coming into today’s game.  Hudson has performed well, but has struggled in the early innings of his starts.  If the Braves are without Chipper today, runs may be at a real premium and a shaky first few innings from Hudson could prove detrimental.
After last night’s win versus the Giants, the Braves need to continue that in today’s game.  That, however, may be easier said than done.
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