Blue Jays sign Daniel Hudson

Given the team getting plagued by the injury bug this week, it’s no surprise the Blue Jays wanted to add some more veteran depth to their bullpen. According to Shi Davidi, the team has inked Daniel Hudson to a major league deal.

This signing comes in the wake of like half of Toronto’s relievers getting hit by various injuries. Ryan Tepera dodged a bullet and won’t need surgery on his elbow but also might not be ready for the start of the season, Bud Norris is dealing with arm soreness and has thrown just two innings in spring, John Axford was released from his minor league deal due to an elbow issue. And, of course, David Phelps, one of Toronto’s earlier off-season signings, won’t be ready for the start of the season.

Adding Hudson gives the Jays a healthy, veteran arm in their bullpen to start the season. This is important because we aren’t sure if Norris or Tepera will be ready to start the season and we don’t know when Phelps will be ready to join the team. The Jays would much rather insulate their bullpen with some veterans than throw a bunch of prospects into the deep end to start the season.

Hudson had been in camp with the Los Angeles Angels but got released after allowing five runs over six-and-a-third innings. He spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting a 4.11 ERA over the course of 46 innings while striking out 8.6 and walking 3.5 batters per nine. It isn’t a sexy signing, but, as the header image suggests, it’s much-needed depth.