Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Provides Update on Daniel Hudson, Potential Timetable for Return

The Dodger bullpen’s struggles have become a troubling trait for the team this season — especially during the series against the Cincinnati Reds — an uncharacteristic development for a franchise where having one of the best groups of relievers had become a staple over most of the last decade.

In 2022, the Dodgers ranked second in bullpen ERA with a mark of 2.87. Contrast that with 2023, and LA’s relief group ranks 26th out of 30 MLB teams with a 4.75 ERA, entering Thursday.

The Dodgers could be getting a key reinforcement back in the bullpen soon, as Daniel Hudson is making progress toward a return, manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Wednesday.

“It’s still a few weeks out, but it was good yesterday. It was really good. For me, sooner the better, but we got to make sure that Huddy is recovering well. But his arm has never felt better and now it’s just kind of making sure that knee responds well to pitching.”

“This is really exciting for all of us…Just another feature in the cap for the organization.” Dave Roberts speaks on the young talent debuting this season for the #Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/lSZXhlZmC1

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 7, 2023

Hudson is making his return from an ACL tear he suffered last June, and he’s been a productive piece in the Dodger bullpen when he’s been available.

When he returned for his second stint with the team in the 2022 campaign, Hudson saw his role steadily increase, including being given opportunities in more high-leverage spots before his ACL tear.

Hudson had a 2.22 ERA in 25 appearances last season, proving himself to be an arm the Dodgers could rely on.

The 13-year MLB veteran’s return will be welcome not only for the jolt he could very well provide the bullpen with his work on the mound, but also with the mentorship role he takes when off of it, Roberts said.

“He’s a presence in the pen, and not only when he’s pitching, but in the pen and how he’s having conversation with guys as they’re going well, if they’re not going well. So to not have him here has affected us.”

Looking at where he could fit in the bullpen upon his return, while he could be worked back into the group by throwing in lower leverage spots, he may find himself in bigger situations relatively quickly, especially given the struggles the Dodgers bullpen has dealt with.

Namely, Yency Almonte and Phil Bickford have not had productive 2023 campaigns, as they have 6.58 and 7.33 ERA’s respectively. As of Thursday, Bickford remains on the 15-day injured list with lower back tightness.

Caleb Ferguson was off to a great start to his year, until a recent run of rocky outings saw his ERA jump from 0.98 to 3.38 in what’s a concerning turn of events for the lefty.

Hopefully for the team, their bullpen struggles resolve soon and the return of Hudson leads to success going forward over these next few months.

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