Former D-back Daniel Hudson finding comfort after two topsy-turvy seasons

A familiar face to the Valley sports scene is back to contributing at the major league level, but now he’s wearing a uniform that’s not loved around town.

Former Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson is now wearing Dodger blue and will now be opposing the D-backs as the two teams battle for the NL West crown.

Hudson had a turbulent tenure in Phoenix. As an intregal part of the 2011 NL West champions, Hudson emerged as someone who could potentially be a staple of the D-backs’ rotation for years to come.

Injuries derailed his time with the D-backs as he underwent two Tommy John surgeries, missing all of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He returned from injury in September 2015 in the bullpen and has been a reliever ever since.

Hudson joined 98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station’s Doug & Wolf on Monday to discuss his whirlwind of a career since leaving the D-backs after the 2016 season.

He reflected on his path to the Dodgers, Shelby Miller’s possible move to the bullpen, his tenure with the D-backs and his newest teammate.

On how he ended up a Dodger:

“It started off kinda crazy. In spring training I was with the Pirates and then two weeks into spring training I was traded to Tampa. They (Tampa Bay) decided they didn’t have a place for me on the team so they released me and gave me a chance to pick where I wanted to go. The Dodgers called and it seemed like a good fit.”

On his move to the bullpen, and Shelby Miller’s possible transition to reliever coming off his elbow injury:

“I wouldn’t say it was a difficult transition, but it was tough at first. It was one of those things where you have to be in attack mode from pitch one whether you are going one hitter or two innings. You have to get used to getting your A-stuff going as soon as possible. I was really pumped to hear there’s nothing serious with Shelby (regarding Miller’s injury). Obviously nobody wants to see that regardless if I play for the Dodgers or the D-backs. It’s just one of those things that you’re just thankful it’s just inflammation.”

On his time with the D-backs:

“I was pretty fortunate to be in a good situation there with the D-backs early on. When I first got traded over there (from the White Sox in 2010) we weren’t really winning much so there wasn’t a ton of pressure. I was able to learn quick at the big league level which was huge for my development.”

On new teammate Manny Machado:

“I think once everybody got the news that we’re in agreement on a deal, we were really pumped up. We’ve been playing well, playing good baseball but who can’t use Manny Machado at the trade deadline? I think it was also good to make sure nobody else could get him as well.”