Daniel Hudson Begins Rehab Assignment at Arizona Complex

As the Dodgers bullpen continues to struggle, it seems as though some help could be on the way soon.

Veteran pitcher Daniel Hudson started his road back to the Dodgers as he got his first game action in almost a year. Bill Plunkett of the OC Register reported the news.

"Hudson started a rehab assignment with the Dodgers’ Arizona Complex League team this week, striking out one in a hitless inning."

Hudson was placed on the injured list to begin spring training as he was still recovering from an ACL injury he suffered in June of last year in Atlanta.

In the 25 games Hudson appeared in before his injury, the right-hander had a 2.22 ERA and a 30/5 K/BB ratio.

While he was in the bullpen, the Dodgers had the second best bullpen in baseball with a combined 2.87 ERA and led the league with a WAR over 8. 

As Hudson looks to return, the Dodgers bullpen has been the opposite of the dominant form they were last year. 

The Dodgers are only ahead of the Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals and Washington Nationals when it comes to ERA. 

The 4.74 ERA they have right now is the bullpen's worse ERA in almost 20 years. 

The addition of Hudson should be the team's first step to getting back to being a playoff-caliber bullpen. In his 14-year career, Hudson has a 3.81 ERA and a WHIP of 1.23. 

Manager Dave Roberts said recently that it should be a couple of weeks before Hudson is ready to head back to the big leagues. The 36-year-old will need to be out on an extended minor league rehab assignment as he fully tests his surgically repaired left knee. That includes at least one back to back appearance.

With the trade deadline approaching quickly and veterans coming back from injury, the Dodgers bullpen could look very different heading into the playoffs.