Hudson return to the mound set for today
Harang's start gets pushed back a day

By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer

Luke Hudson, one of the favorites to win the fourth or fifth spot in the rotation out of spring training, finally will make a start for the Reds, tonight against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Hudson, a 28-year-old right-hander, has been on the disabled list the entire season with shoulder problems.

Hudson was shut down March 5 after his first appearance in spring training.

A long rehab followed. He made his first appearance in a live game Saturday in a rehab appearance for Double-A Chattanooga. He went 62/3 innings, allowing four runs on six hits. He walked one and struck out seven. He pitched well before giving up a single and a home run to the last two batters he faced.

Hudson could give the Reds a much-needed boost. He went 4-2 with 2.42 ERA in nine starts for the Reds last year.

"All the reports say he looked very good," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "I'm looking forward to seeing him pitch."

Hudson has some of the best stuff in the organization. His fastball reaches the mid-90s and he has a knee-buckling curve, as well as a changeup.

Hudson was obtained Dec. 18, 2001, in the trade that sent Pokey Reese to Colorado. He pitched briefly for the Reds in 2002.

He injured his shoulder during spring training of 2003. He had surgery April 11, 2003, and missed the season.

He spent half of last season rehabbing from the injury, and made stops at Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville. He joined the Reds in August and was their best starter for the rest of the year.
Click here for the rest of Reds notes