Tim Hudson comeback to deliver boost to Atlanta Braves’ struggling rotation - MLB Update
Tim Hudson’s gradual rise to perfection in Triple-A Gwinnett rehabilitation games spells an ideal scenario in the line of becoming a reality for the Atlanta Braves. With their offence turning out to be among the best in the National League East Division,
only area they possibly can suffer with is their rotation.
Although Randall Delgado is doing a great job so far, expecting him to continue with the same momentum can possibly be too much to ask for. Therefore, it is the presence of Hudson that will ensure reliability to the Braves and hence to their chances to make
it to the play-offs.
After playing one more rehab game Hudson will return on April 29. However, plans may be revised if Hudson is not able to throw as many pitches as manager Fredi Gonzalez wants from him.
Hudson has been cautious in throwing pitches in Gwinnett, trying to start from a lower number. Instead of pitching more than 100 throws in one game and falling to injury as a result again, management aims to give him some proper time.
“Stuff-wise last night I felt like I was pretty close to where I want to be,” said Hudson. “I’d like to get my arm strength up a little bit. I was sitting around 89-90 [mph] most of the night. I had some 87, 88’s in there — I don’t like seeing those too
much on the radar gun. But I think after pitching more and getting some more work, working out and long-tossing, that stuff will get better.”
As per the reports, Hudson’s presence will come at the exclusion of Delgado who is going through a reasonably better time in the season.
Decision is not going to be easier for the manager as Delgado holds more impressive stats for the moment than a previous all-star Jair Jurrjens. Thus, there is every fear that management may end up making no difference even with the presence of their ace
Hudson.
With nine wins in 14 games so far, Braves will be able to assert more dominance on the return of Hudson. Unless they are hopelessly poor in upcoming games, there does not appear any stopping them at the moment toward a potential post-season spot.
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