The San Francisco Giants's 2014 season hopes rest heavily with pitcher Tim Hudson and his surgically repaired ankle.
Last Friday pitchers and catchers reported to Scottsdale Stadium for the first time and Hudson showed up with a positive outlook.
"I feel like I'm right on schedule to be healthy for the start of the year," Hudson said. "The ankle feels really good. It's definitely pretty close to 100 percent. It's not quite there yet but we still have a few more weeks to get it there. I don't suspect it's going to be a problem."
Hudson's right ankle was fractured last July when New York Mets outfielder Eric Young Jr. stepped on the back of his leg during a close play at first base. Manager Bruce Bochy said at FanFest that he expected to take it slow with Hudson, but the 38 year old was able to run last week. Hudson felt no limitations on Thursday while running and threw his third bullpen session, putting him on normal track for the year.
"It's responding really well," he said. "I don't think about it at all when I'm out there throwing and running around."
Hudson was part of the rotation this part weekend and threw off the mound on Sunday. It's expected he will be part of the rotation when games begin later this month.
"He took a bullpen and looked good," Bochy said. "We think he'll be ready."
Hudson threw 30 pitches on Sunday and appeared to have no difficulties while on the mound, saying he felt good.
"I feel like I'm the same as far as throwing goes. It's all a process," he said. "I didn't think about the ankle. The only time I really notice it on occasion during the side to side (movements during conditioning)."
Bochy said that he believes Hudson will continue to make progress towards his first Cactus League start.
"If we have to delay it, we will,' Bochy said. "We will do what we can to help him avoid having a setback."
References: ESPN and Mercury News.
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