Dodgers Projected Closer Unlikely To Be Ready For Opening Day

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson has been working his way back from a left ACL tear that he suffered in June 2022.

He was expected to be ready for the start of the 2023 season, but a setback in the form of right ankle tendinitis delayed his recovery.

#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Daniel Hudson is progressing well and is "full intensity" in bullpen sessions. But his status for Opening Day doesn't look likely.

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 2, 2023

Hudson has been throwing high-intensity bullpen sessions in camp and is reportedly feeling healthy, but it remains to be seen whether he will be fully built up in time for Opening Day.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has acknowledged that Hudson is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, but the team will continue to take a cautious approach to his recovery.  

Morning bullpen w/ Daniel Hudson, Ryan Pepiot and Landon Knack. pic.twitter.com/eXm5Ud7fYG

— Scott Geirman (@scottgeirman) March 1, 2023

If all goes well, the veteran reliever should be available for Los Angeles by mid-April. The thirty-five-year-old is expected to be the Dodgers' primary closer this season, once healthy.

The Dodgers picked up Hudson's $6.5 million option for the 2023 season after the veteran compiled a sparkling 2.22 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 30 strikeouts over 24.1 innings and 25 appearances last season.
Photo Credit:  Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports