Dodgers News: Injured Reliever Hoping to Provide Major Boost to LA Bullpen This October

While right-handed reliever Daniel Hudson has pitched in just three games this season, he still hopes to contribute in the postseason. He won’t be ready for the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but if the Los Angeles Dodgers advance to either or both the NLCS and World Series, Hudson may give them another experienced reliever out of the bullpen.

Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times reported that he hasn't yet given up on pitching this season.

Hudson, 38, has had a difficult major league career because he has had many serious injuries. In 2019, Hudson was on the mound to close out the world championship for the Washington Nationals. If Hudson can return for the NLCS, it would be huge for the Dodgers.

Hudson is mentally tough. He has returned from two consecutive Tommy John surgeries. He was a promising young starter when he missed almost three years with Tommy John surgeries and returned as a dominant closer.

Hudson is comfortable as a Dodger. In 2018, he played an integral role for the Dodgers as they lost to the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. He returned to the Dodgers in 2022 and pitched well until he tore his ACL in a game against the Atlanta Braves.

The Dodgers expected Hudson to be ready for Opening Day of 2023, but during spring training, Hudson battled ankle tendonitis. He didn’t return to the Dodgers until early July. In his third game with the Dodgers, Hudson sprained his MCL and hasn’t performed competitively since then.

If Hudson can return, it will be a big plus for the Dodgers — but they shouldn’t expect it.