Hudson's control costs him a job
Reds notebook
BY KEVIN KELLY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
BRADENTON, Fla. - Once considered one of the Reds' most promising pitching prospects, Luke Hudson now is looking for a new team.
The Reds released the 28-year-old Thursday as part of the first round of roster cuts. There are now 56 players remaining in major-league camp.
"We just didn't see improvement in his control - throwing strikes, getting ahead of hitters," Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky of Hudson. "He still has a good arm. He's taken good care of himself. I don't have any doubt he'll hook on with somebody else.
"But we felt he was behind a lot of other people at this time."
Hudson made three appearances this spring and allowed one earned run over four innings. The right-hander struck out four but also walked four.
"All you can do right now is get another job," Hudson said. "Who knows - a change of setting might help me.
"The tough thing is this is my fifth year in this organization. Saying goodbye to everyone is the toughest part."
In 19 appearances with the Reds last season, including 16 starts, Hudson went 6-9 with a 6.38 ERA over 842/3 innings. He allowed 83 hits and struck out just three more batters (53) than he walked (50).
There remains a possibility Hudson could wind up with the Reds.
"Depending on what he has out there, I told him we'd keep the dialogue open," Krivsky said.
Also released Thursday was minor-league pitcher Bubba Nelson.
OTHER MOVES: Reassigned to minor-league camp Thursday were infielders Aaron Herr, Anderson Machado and Derek Wathan and pitcher Josh Hall.
"They just need to go out and play - in some cases play to make a club," Reds manager Jerry Narron said.
"Josh Hall hasn't pitched a great deal over the last couple of years. He needs to pitch."