News
Hudson makes much anticipated return
Atlanta (69-62) at Florida (68-63), 7:10 p.m. ET
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
09/01/09 12:32 AM ET
MIAMI -- Tim Hudson has waited more than a year to have the opportunity to pitch again in the Major Leagues, and to his surprise, he hasn't yet felt the nervous rush that he's been expecting. "I thought that it would be a little more exciting or that I'd have a little more nervousness going on," Hudson said. "But to be honest with you, I almost feel like I've already pitched like 10 to 15 times. It almost has that pick-it-up-from-where-I-left-off kind of feel." When Hudson starts against the Marlins at Land Shark Stadium on Tuesday night, he'll be making his first Major League appearance since July 23, 2008, when he exited this same exact mound with discomfort that led to him undergoing Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery less than a week later. The fact that he'll be making his return at the same location where he last pitched doesn't seem to concern Hudson. "If it didn't happen there, it was probably going to happen somewhere else," Hudson said. Armed with a surgically-repaired elbow and a well-rested shoulder that he believes is stronger than it's been in over the course of the past three or four years, Hudson will be looking to prove that he's capable of regaining the successful form he possessed before being sidelined with this damaged elbow. Hudson's contract includes a $12 million option with a $1 million buyout for the 2010 season. Thus, he'll be pitching with the hope of proving to the Braves that he could still be a key member of their rotation next year. But the 34-year-old Hudson contends that his motivation rests primarily with the hope of helping Atlanta find entry into the postseason. "I just want to help us win," Hudson said. "It's been a long time that I've been on the sidelines watching and it's finally rewarding to actually -- hopefully -- contribute to some success here." Hudson, who was originally slated to return Monday before some roster issues led the Braves to push him back one day, will be pitching for the first time since his Aug. 23 Minor League rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett. "I've thrown two or three bullpens since then and I've been able to keep on top of all the work I needed to do to stay sharp," Hudson said. "I'm definitely going to be well rested." While Land Shark Stadium is where Hudson's elbow was last cooperative in a Major League setting, it's also a place where he has made eight starts and gone 5-1 with a 2.59 ERA. When he exited during what proved to be his last start before the surgical procedure, he'd allowed three hits over six scoreless innings. "I feel like it's going to be just like any other game," Hudson said. "I know that it's hard to say that because it's been such a long time and I'll be pitching where I blew out. But I feel ready. This is something I've been looking forward to for a long time." Pitching matchupATL: RHP Tim Hudson (11-7, 3.17 ERA in 2008)
Hudson will make his first Major League start since exiting Land Shark Stadium's mound on July 23, 2008, with right elbow discomfort that would lead to him undergoing Tommy John surgery one week later. The right-hander said he'll be unfazed by the fact that this return start will occur at the same location where he was last healthy enough to pitch. Hudson is 7-2 with a 2.63 ERA in 13 career starts against the Marlins. FLA: RHP Anibal Sanchez (2-5, 4.96 ERA)
Sanchez struggled in his previous game after pitching brilliantly in his first outing since returning from the disabled list Aug. 21. The right-hander had a hard time shutting down the Mets, allowing four runs (two earned) on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings while striking out two and walking three. Sanchez will get a chance to redeem himself when he faces the Braves his next time out. The 25-year-old held Atlanta to one run on two hits over six innings the last time he faced the Braves. Tidbits
The Braves will call up pitcher Luis Valdez, infielder Brooks Conrad and catcher Clint Sammons when rosters expand Tuesday. ... During two of their past four games against the Marlins, the Braves have been held hitless through the first five innings. ... Atlanta has won six of the last nine games played against Florida this year. Tickets
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• 640 WGST, Project 9-6-1 , Viva 105.7 (Español) Up next
• Wednesday: Braves (Javier Vazquez, 11-9, 3.02) at Marlins (Rick VandenHurk, 2-2, 5.12), 7:10 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Braves (Tommy Hanson, 9-3, 3.15) at Marlins (Ricky Nolasco, 9-8, 5.30), 7:10 p.m. ET
• Friday: Braves (Derek Lowe, 13-8, 4.38) vs. Reds (Matt Maloney, 0-3, 6.46), 7:30 p.m. ET
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
