Hudson hopes for a ‘miracle’
Tim Hudson could see the damage himself on the MRI. One ligament in his right elbow appears partially torn. Another seems totally ripped apart.
Still, the Atlanta Braves pitcher is clinging to the slimmest of hopes that he might be able to avoid surgery.
Hudson has been getting treatment and will attempt to throw this weekend, even though at least two doctors have determined he needs ligament replacement surgery. The recovery period for such an operation is generally about a year, which means the pitcher would miss good chunk of next season as well.
“Surgery is always the last option,” Hudson said before Thursday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals. “I want to try to figure out what I need to do. There might be some kind of miracle, a glimmer of hope. What if I go out there to throw and don’t feel anything for whatever reason? If that’s the case, I wouldn’t have the surgery.”
Nationals alter roster
The Washington Nationals shook up their roster following their 8-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Outfielder Elijah Dukes was activated from the 15-day disabled list and shortstop Alberto Gonzalez, obtained from the New York Yankees earlier in the day, was added to the active roster.
To make room, Washington released infielder Felipe Lopez along with catchers Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada. The Nationals also plan to recall second baseman Emilio Bonifacio from Triple-A Columbus today.
Bonifacio was acquired last week from the Arizona Diamondbacks for reliever Jon Rauch.
Dodger Stadium will host
The semifinals and championship game of the 2009 World Baseball Classic will be played at Dodger Stadium.
The semifinals will be played March 21-22, with the championship game set for March 23.
Clearing the bases
Baltimore’s Daniel Cabrera and New York’s Edwar Ramirez were suspended and fined for intentionally throwing at batters during a series between the teams earlier this week. … Toronto pitcher Dustin McGowan had surgery to repair fraying of the labrum in his right shoulder and is expected to be healthy in time for spring training. … San Diego Padres shortstop Khalil Greene has a broken left hand and could miss the rest of the season, manager Bud Black said. … Chicago Cubs minor league pitcher Francory Pineda was suspended 50 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.