RADIO
Daniel Hudson exhibited all the tools and signs of becoming a rousing success. Once a very promising starting pitcher prospect, Hudson's path was derailed by two Tommy John surgeries over the past few years. In fact, he’s been limited to just 12 games (nine starts) combined in the last three seasons.
But even after making his return late in 2014 as a reliever, it looks like the 27-year-old right-hander will try to get re-acclimated to life as a starting pitcher.
"We're going to see how he feels and see where he's at halfway through spring," new Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said about Hudson beginning spring training as a starter. "As of right now, he feels great, his sides have been good and he's very encouraging."
Arizona needs to strengthen the depth in their rotation, and if they can get Hudson back to his old form -- the one that led him to go 24-14 with a 3.18 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 47 combined starts over a two-year stretch from 2010-2011 -- it would be a move that pays major dividends in the long run.
The Diamondbacks are slated to get back 2013 Cy Young candidate Patrick Corbin at some point during the upcoming campaign, but his exact timetable is still up in the air. Beyond him, there’s Josh Collmenter coming off a solid ’14 season, and Jeremy Hellickson was hauled in after an offseason trade with the Rays to give the pitching staff some consistency. After those two, the D-backs are chock full of uncertainty if they trot out the likes of Chase Anderson, Vidal Nuno, Allen Webster, Rubby De La Rosa, and Trevor Cahill.
Hudson would certainly help solidify the club’s starting pitching, but it’s still also possible that he begins the year in the bullpen, which is the role he held upon his return toward the end of last season. However, given his notable success prior to both surgeries, it might be in Arizona’s best interest to give him one more shot at fulfilling his potential as a successful starter. As Hale alluded to, a decision should be made by the end of spring training.
