Braves' Hudson slated to rehab with Pelicans
Hudson, 34, underwent Tommy John surgery last Aug. 8 to repair two tears -- one complete and one partial -- in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right throwing arm. Early indications following the surgery were that the Columbus, Ga., native would aim for an August 2009 return. Hudson is in the final guaranteed season of a four-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2010. He has not pitched in the big leagues since July 23, 2008, earning the win over the Florida Marlins behind six shutout innings.
The Braves traded for the Auburn University product on Dec. 16, 2004, receiving him from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Juan Cruz, Dan Meyer and Charles Thomas. In four years with the Braves, the former 20-game winner has gone 54-38 with a 3.78 earned run average. The best year of his career came in 2000, when he was named to the American League All-Star team and finished second in Cy Young voting by going 20-6 with a 4.14 ERA for the A's. In six seasons in Oakland, from 1999-2004, Hudson went 92-39 with a 3.30 ERA.
Hudson's start at BB&T Coastal Field is scheduled for the middle game of a three-game series with the Dash from Sat-Mon July 18-20. The Pelicans follow that series by hosting the Wilmington Blue Rocks from July 21-23. Tickets are available at the BB&T Coastal Field box office, by calling the Pelicans at (843) 918-6000, or by visiting the Tickets page at MyrtleBeachPelicans.com online.