Daniel Hudson injury: What happened to the LA Dodgers pitcher?

The right-handed pitcher was placed on the injury list when the LA Dodgers announced that Daniel Hudson had torn his ACL. In addition to infielder Hanser Alberto being activated off the paternity list and right-hander Mitch White being brought up from Triple-A, outfielder Stefen Romero was assigned for assignment.

Image Credits – True Blue LA

When Alberto was placed on the waiting list earlier this week, Romero’s contract was chosen. Romero hasn’t really played in an MLB game since the 2016 season due to his brief stint on the L.A. active roster. This didn’t result in any game action. Romero has excelled in five seasons in Japan since his final game with the Mariners in 2016.

Despite some significant injuries, the Dodgers have so far kept a commanding lead in the NL West. If the injuries keep piling up, though, it will become more challenging.

Daniel Hudson injury: For how long will the Dodgers pitcher be out of action?

Daniel Hudson, their primary setup man, is now out for the year after tearing his ACL in Friday’s victory over the Braves. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed reporters, “Obviously, it’s a tremendous loss. According to Roberts, Hudson, 35, will be out for six to nine months after suffering a “clean rupture” of his left ACL. This season, Hudson made 25 appearances, compiling a 2.22 ERA, 30 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings, and five saves.

For a Dodgers team already missing right-hander Blake Treinen until after the All-Star break due to shoulder issues, Hudson’s loss is a gut punch. As the team’s top setup option, Hudson has risen up to take Treinen’s place.

Due to a flexor injury in his right elbow, the Dodgers lost their ace, Walker Buehler, two weeks ago. He was suspended at the time for 6 to 8 weeks. Following an outfield crash with Cody Bellinger last week, outfielder Mookie Betts was placed on the disabled list with rib injuries. After returning to the IL earlier in the week for one start, left-hander Andrew Heaney immediately went back on the injured list on Friday due to a shoulder ailment.

Given the terms of his contract, Hudson’s injury is particularly challenging. The right-handed pitcher, 35, agreed to a one-year, $7M deal with Los Angeles that includes a $6.5M club option for the 2023 season. That option appeared to be a lock to be selected based on how Hudson had thrown in the first couple of months of the season.

That seems far less likely now that your knee has recovered from a serious injury. Hudson had the opportunity to increase the value of that option based on the number of games he had completed, and with eight already under his belt, he stood a good chance of doing so.