Braves ace Tim Hudson, who underwent surgery last November to repair a herniated disk in his lower back, will take a big step on Monday. That's when he'll work two innings against the Mets and in the process see game action for the first time since last September. “The arm feels good," Hudson told David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It’s getting in shape. My arm strength isn’t quite where I want it, but it’s pretty good for the stage of where I’m at – I’m in what amounts to the second week of spring training for me.”
Hudson will then begin his formal rehab when he makes five or six starts for Low-A Rome and AAA-Gwinnett. If all goes well, it's possible he could return to the Braves by early to mid May.
While Atlanta has pitching depth, a healthy and effective Hudson will be essential in the tough NL East.
Elsewhere ...
- Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton (groin) is expected to be in the lineup on opening day. [Ft. Worth Star-Telegram]
- Brewers outfielder Corey Hart, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on March 6, played in an intrasquad game on Sunday, and it's possible he'll be ready for opening day. [MLB.com]
- Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge (groin) might begin the season on the disabled list. [Detroit Free Press]
- Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair is day-to-day with back soreness. He's yet to homer this spring. [Chicago Sun-Times]
- Angels manager Mike Scioscia says there will be no "governor" on DH Kendrys Morales this season when it comes to running the bases. Morales is at the tail end of an almost two-year recovery from a fractured lower leg. [Orange County Register]
- Braves right fielder Jason Heyward was forced to depart Sunday's game with a leg cramp. Although the injury isn't thought to be significant, he won't be in the lineup on Monday. [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]
- As expected, the Cardinals will open the season with Chris Carpenter (neck), Allen Craig (knee) and Skip Schumacher (abdominal) on the DL. All three moves are retroactive to March 26. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
- Astros center fielder Jordan Schafer was able to take batting practice on Sunday but still felt discomfort in his injured left hand. "They want to give me one more day," Schafer said afterward. "Hopefully, I'll be in there [Monday] and start getting some at-bats. As long as I'm fine in BP, I'll be ready to go."
Teammate Jed Lowrie (thumb) won't be ready to play before Wednesday at the earliest. It's possible he could begin the season on the DL. [MLB.com] - Twins infielder Alexi Casilla (knee) worked out Sunday without incident, but it's still not certain when he'll be ready for game action. [LaVelle E. Neal III via Twitter]
- Mets knuckle-baller R.A. Dickey required stitches in his heel after being spiked while covering first base. He was able to remain in the game, and the injury isn't serious. [Boston Globe]
- According to Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic, D-backs shortstop Stephen Drew is "beginning to turn the corner" in his recovery from a fractured ankle. However, Drew still has no clear timetable and will open the season on the DL.
- Tigers pitching prospect Jacob Turner (shoulder) will stay behind at the team's spring-training complex in order to build up strength. After that, he'll be assigned to AAA-Toledo. [MLB.com]
- Tigers outfielder Brennan Boesch was scratched from the lineup for the second time this spring with neck spasms. Manager Jim Leyland says he expects Boesch to be able to play on Monday. [MLB.com]
