Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson underwent successful surgery on Monday to repair a herniated disk in his back. While his recovery and progression will be closely monitored throughout the rest of the offseason, the team expects Hudson to be ready for the start of Spring Training.
From the official release out of Atlanta:
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Tim Hudson underwent successful surgery today to repair a herniated disc in his back. The procedure was performed by Dr. Steven Wray at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. The injury, which had been bothersome for Hudson over the last two seasons, became progressively worse during his off-season workouts.
Hudson missed a start in May because of a back issue and this would appear to be the reason why. Anyone who has ever dealt with a back issue can tell you the injury has a knack for lingering and not responding to treatment, and it is a minor miracle Hudson made it through the entire season without hitting the disabled list.
The Braves starting rotation continues to be dinged up and it may convince Frank Wren to hold onto his pitchers this offseason. With the uncertainty of Tommy Hanson's shoulder, Jair Jurrjens' knee and Hudson's back, Atlanta hasn't exactly had a clean bill of health in the last year.