Arizona Diamondbacks’ Daniel Hudson willing to accept whatever role that is presented
May 11, 2015, 10:27 AM | Updated: 10:28 am
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Daniel Hudson did something Sunday that he hadn’t done since June 26, 2012 — he started a game.
After fighting his way back to the diamond after undergoing two Tommy John surgeries, one in 2012 and the other in 2013, Hudson got a spot start against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field.
Hudson worked into the fourth inning, holding the Padres scoreless while allowing just two hits and striking out five in a 56-pitch performance. The Diamondbacks won the game 2-1.
“I feel pretty good,” Hudson told Doug and Wolf Monday morning on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “I’ve got some soreness all over the body. I was pretty gassed there in that fourth inning. It’s amazing how quickly your stamina goes down if you don’t do it every single day.
“I knew I was going to be pretty sore today, but I’m sore in all the right places. I’m not sore anywhere near my elbow, which is a good sign.”
Just because Hudson got the nod Sunday doesn’t mean he’ll be back in a starter’s role on a full-time basis any time soon.
“I don’t think I’m a starter. I think I’m headed back to the bullpen today,” he said with a laugh.
Hudson had made nine relief appearances this season before Sunday’s start, the longest being a two-inning, 40-pitch outing in an 8-0 loss to the Dodgers on May 1. The 28-year-old will fill whatever role manager Chip Hale needs him asks of him.
“Physically, I think right now the smartest thing to do is to come out of the bullpen and limit my innings and get me some work that way,” Hudson said. “Just get through this season, whatever they need me to do, I’ll do. If they need me to take another start like that (Sunday), then maybe I’ll be on the top of that list somewhere down the road.
“Get me through this season, and then we’ll talk about it in the offseason and go on to Spring Training on the same page.”
Due to his extended role Sunday, Hudson hopes to be ready for bullpen duty again by Wednesday in the final game of a three-game series against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field.
“If not, then I’ll be good to go for the weekend in Philly,” he said.
The Diamondbacks will start a seven-game road trip against the Phillies on Friday, then continue on to Miami for a four-game set with the Marlins on Monday, May 18.
