News
Hudson throws live batting practice
Pitcher will toss one more session before Minors rehab stintBy Mark Bowman / MLB.com
07/06/09 7:41 PM ET
CHICAGO -- Tim Hudson's long rehab process progressed yet again at Wrigley Field on Monday afternoon, when he tested his surgically repaired right elbow with his first live batting-practice session of the year.Hudson, who is a little more than 11 months removed from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery, threw just 18 pitches during this five-minute session that mirrored the one that all Braves pitchers experience during the first or second day of Spring Training.
"I'm still not where I need to be," Hudson said. "My arm strength feels pretty good. There are some things that I need to clean up when I get out there. Still, I'm pretty happy with where I'm at."
Hudson will throw another live batting-practice session on Tuesday and then continue to prepare for his first Minor League rehab start, which is scheduled for July 19 with Class A-Advanced Myrtle Beach.
"It's going to take some time for me to go out there and get used to pitching in a game with live hitters and the added adrenaline rush," Hudson said.
With his current rehab schedule, Hudson likely wouldn't rejoin the Atlanta rotation before Aug. 25. There's also a chance that the Braves could choose to hold him back one more week and activate him after the rosters expand in September.
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
