Pitcher Daniel Hudson was informed by Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale that he will make the 25-man roster, Jack Magruder of FOX Sports Arizona reports. It’s still unknown how Hudson will contribute to the team, whether as a starter or as a reliever. The plan going in was to use Hudson as a starter in the spring before using him as a reliever during the regular season.
Hudson, 28, made only three appearances (all in September) after undergoing Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career in June 2013. He owns a career 3.75 ERA and a 306/98 K/BB ratio in 384 innings, but he has pitched a full season just once in five seasons.
Vidal Nuno, Chase Anderson, Trevor Cahill, and Allen Webster are competing for spots at the back of Arizona’s rotation. So far, Nuno and Webster have struggled while Anderson and Cahill have had decent early showings. Per AZcentral.com’s Nick Piecoro, Cahill threw well in a B-game and Hale said the right-hander is in a “good position” for a rotation spot. [Update, 9:15 PM EST: MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert reports that Nuno is no longer in the running for a rotation spot.]
Hudson has allowed three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out three in four innings. One can never have too much pitching depth, but adding Hudson back into the competition as a starter could also give the club the flexibility to explore trading Cahill.