Dodgers News: One Time World Series Champion Reliever Begins Ramp Up Toward Return from Injury

A bit of good news on the injury front out of Dodger Stadium.

Old friend Daniel Hudson is on the comeback trail... again. The Dodgers have been without his services since June of last year after he tore the ACL in his left knee and underwent reconstructive surgery. He was with the team during spring training and the initial hope was that he would be on the opening day roster, but several setbacks have kept him sidelined and frustrated.

Hudson has started throwing programs over the last few months but his surgically repaired left knee has given him trouble the day after throwing. As the Dodgers came back home to LA, Huddy joined the team at Dodger Stadium where he expects to throw a bullpen session in front of team officials today.

#Dodgers RHP Daniel Hudson recently had cortisone injection in his surgically repaired left knee. Will throw a bullpen session in LA on Tuesday and hopes to “ramp up” activity in the next week or so by throwing to hitters. He can’t put timetable on return. “As soon as possible.”

— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) May 29, 2023

He recently had a cortisone injection in his left knee and it appears to have put him in a good spot to restart his return in earnest. If all goes well on Tuesday, he could be on the fast track toward activation. He'll likely throw one more bullpen session before advancing to facing hitters in a live batting session before heading out on a minor league rehab assignment for a week to 10 days.

The 2019 World Series champion wouldn't be eligible to come off the IL until early in June. When he was healthy with the Dodgers last season, he excelled. He posted a 2.22 ERA over 25 appearances picking up 5 saves and 9 holds along the way.

UPDATE

Dave Roberts shared the latest on Hudson's bullpen session on Tuesday afternoon.

"Huddy threw about 30 pitches. Used his entire pitch mix. He was really good. I don't know what's next... I'm trying to temper my excitement until I see him facing some hitters. ... I know he wants to get back with us. He still feels it in his knee. Today he came out of it really well but again, once he goes out on rehab and pitches back to back, then I'll really get excited."

Hudson might never be able to pitch without irritation in his knee but as long as he can manage the pain, the Dodgers believe he'll be able to compete.