Tim Hudson will make his sixth career Opening Day start
Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has tabbed veteran Tim Hudson to start the Braves Opening Day against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 1.
Many folks predicted that Kris Medlen would be the Braves Opening Day starter, citing that the way Gonzalez had set up his spring rotation, Medlen’s turn would come up on Opening Day.
But the Braves have historically chosen veteran pitchers to handle the Opening Day assignment. The only time a pitcher under 30 started Opening Day since 1995 was last season when Tim Hudson was recovering from back surgery, and Tommie Hanson got the nod.
Hudson has started five opening days in his career, and this is his third with the Braves. He is undefeated in those starts, posting a 1-0 record with a 3.41 ERA.
Hudson’s last Opening Day start was against the Washington Nationals in 2008, when he pitched seven innings against the Nattionals in Washington, and only allowed two runs.
About Jim Hart
I always knew it would be Huddy. Not only is he the nost veteran member and leader of the pitching staff, he is the most logical pick. Medlin has 30 starts to his resume, Maholm or Minor is not a #1 (Minor isn’t yet, if he ever is, and Maholm is a career #3) and Teheran is a rookie. Who else could it have been?
This isn’t news, despite what other blogs may have had to say about it!