Huddy is Back on Monday
ATLANTA (AP) — Braves pitcher Tim Hudson will make his first big league appearance in more than a year on Monday, replacing Kenshin Kawakami for a start against the Florida Marlins.
Hudson was the ace of the Atlanta staff before his season-ending elbow ligament-replacement surgery on Aug. 8, 2008. Now, nearly 13 months later and after more than a month of rehab starts in the minors, the right-hander is set to rejoin a rotation that is already one of the strongest in the big leagues.
Hudson was 11-7 with a 3.17 ERA when he blew out his elbow. He could become a free agent after this season.
Hopefully having Hudson back will bring some life into the lineup and jump start playoff run. The pitching for the most part has been great this year, but the offense has been inconsistent at best. And if they quit pitching to Ryan Howard – they might actually beat the Phillies and gain some ground in the NL East. Hopefully Frank Wren is smart enough to exercise Hudson’s option for next year – because that is going to be a nasty pitching rotation – Lowe, Hudson, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Hanson. Each of these guys can be the number 1 starter on a lot of staffs. Throw in Kawakami in the mix - this pitching rotation is going to be lights out next year just like the Braves of the 90’s.
