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Braves’ young staff playing big

Braves pitcher Tim Hudson is the veteran in Atlanta's rotation. Associated Press (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press The Spokesman-Review
Braves pitcher Tim Hudson is the veteran in Atlanta's rotation. Associated Press (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

Tim Hudson stood at his locker this week, trying to think back to the days when Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz were the mainstays of the Atlanta Braves’ rotation.

“For young guys to come in six, or eight, or I guess it was 10 years ago, that would have been pretty intimidating for a young guy,” Hudson said.

It has only been six years since the three last pitched together in Atlanta. Now, Jair Jurrjens, Jorge Campillo and Charlie Morton are rookies, and Jo-Jo Reyes just misses qualifying as a rookie. Each of the four has less than one year’s service.

How dramatic is the makeover of the Braves’ rotation? Manager Bobby Cox left spring training believing he would have four 20-game winners: Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine and Mike Hampton.

Instead, Hudson is the only current starter with at least 10 wins in his career.

Smoltz has had season-ending shoulder surgery, Glavine is out with an elbow injury and Hampton, who was hurt warming up before his first start, hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2005.

The good news for general manager Frank Wren is the new starters are pitching as well as he hoped the veterans would perform.

Atlanta entered the weekend leading the N.L. with a 3.64 ERA. Jurrjens is the N.L. rookie leader with nine wins. Campillo (2.54) and Jurrjens (2.94) rank among the rookie ERA leaders.

Clearing the bases

Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla left the game against Arizona because of a left ankle sprain. It was unclear how long he could be sidelined. … Alberto Callaspo was placed on the disabled list for undisclosed reasons by the Royals, one day after being arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. … Tigers right fielder Magglio Ordonez left the game against the Rockies because of spasms in his side. … Nationals outfielder Lastings Milledge was placed on the 15-day disabled list after he injured his right groin in the third inning against Baltimore. … Twins right fielder Michael Cuddyer missed the game against the Brewers due to a strained tendon in his left index finger.