Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Happy to Add ‘Adult’ to Beleaguered Bullpen
The Dodgers finally got Daniel Hudson back in the bullpen. It took only 80 games longer than hoped, but the veteran reliever returned to the active roster on Friday and tossed a scoreless 8th inning in LA’s 9-3 win over the Royals. With the addition of Hudson, the Dodgers get a much needed weapon at the backend of the bullpen. And, in the eyes of manager Dave Roberts, they get something even more important.
An adult.
“It’s just another adult in the bullpen,” Roberts said on Friday. “He’s been battle tested. He’s got a good heart rate. He gets lefties and righties out. He’s got the respect of everyone in the ‘pen and on the club. So certainly, a huge addition.”
Hudson has quite literally done just about everything in baseball. He’s started. He’s relieved. He’s closed games, including World Series clinching games. So he’ll fit in nicely for just about any role for these Dodgers. He figures to pitch mostly late in games alongside unofficial closer Evan Phillips, but “Huddy” says he’s open to whatever the team needs.
“I’ve [closed games] the last few years, and I really enjoy doing that, pitching in those situations and in tight games, so we’ll see where it goes from here,” the veteran said. “But as of right now, whenever [Roberts] needs me to throw, I’ll be ready to take the ball.”
Hudson owns a career 3.81 ERA in 479 games across parts of 13 seasons as a big leaguer. He was in the middle of one of his finest seasons in 2022 before tearing his ACL trying to field groundball in Atlanta.
