Strained stomach muscle lands Hudson on DL

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland Athletics placed right-hander Tim Hudson on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a strained left stomach muscle, an injury that isn’t considered serious.

In fact, Hudson, Oakland’s opening day starter the past two seasons, said he could have pitched through it, but the team had to make a move to clear a roster spot for new closer Octavio Dotel, acquired Thursday from Houston in a three-team trade.

“It’s not bad at all, a little mild strain,” Hudson said Saturday afternoon. “The only reason I’m going on the DL is so we can get it right and take care of it so it doesn’t linger. Obviously, it’s disappointing it came back up. Probably the trade for Dotel – they’ve got to make a spot.”

Hudson expects to miss two starts. This is his first stint on the DL in five major league seasons. Trainer Larry Davis said Hudson will undergo treatment until he is pain-free.