Despite putting up multiple quality starts this season, it was a fight for Colorado Rockies right-handed pitcher Dakota Hudson to pick up a win after each start. His struggles through his first 17 starts resulted in the Rockies designating Hudson for assignment. Now, the right-hander must pitch his way back to the Majors and hopefully back into Colorado’s starting rotation. While Hudson can partially take the blame for his demotion, the Rockies offense was close to nonexistent every time the 29-year-old starter was on the mound. This first season with the Rockies did not go as planned for the right-hander. 2024 has been the worst statistical season of Hudson’s career. Hopefully, he can overcome this obstacle and make waves back as a formidable starting pitcher.
Former Rockies Pitcher Must Find His Way Back To A Rotation
In 17 starts this season, Hudson has put up an atrocious 2-12 record. Through 86 and one-third innings pitched, he has accumulated a horrendous ERA of 5.84. The right-hander has allowed 61 runs on 96 hits while striking out 48 batters. During seven of his 17 starts, Hudson allowed at least four or more runs to score home. After his Wednesday, July 3rd outing, when he allowed three runs on seven hits with four strikeouts during a 3-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Rockies decided it was time to part ways with Hudson for the time being. In his previous two starts before July 3rd, he allowed 13 runs on 17 hits.
Batters had their way against four of Hudson’s five pitches. Against the right-hander’s changeup and sinker, batters put up a respective batting average of .379 and .315. Hudson’s most effective pitch in his arsenal this season has been his curveball. Out of 240 curveballs thrown by the 29-year-old starter, batters have put up a .114 average. With two strikes, Hudson strikes out batters with his curveball about 35 percent of the time. Besides his slider, his curveball is his best put-away pitch. The 29-year-old starter allowed just five hits while striking out 17 with his curveball. He’s given up 40 hits with his sinker.
What Does Hudson Need To Do To Make A Major League Return?
Hudson must reform his game in every step of the way. This season, he only had one start, which was his first start of the year, where he didn’t allow a single run to score. It seems like no matter if Hudson’s pitching three, five, or seven innings, he always finds a way to give up at least one run. When Colorado’s offense is silent, like they have been for most of the season, the right-hander must pitch and be on his A-game.
Hudson showed great value as a starter during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2018-2023. It’s vital he gets back to that level of performance. His 16-7 record during the 2019 season looks like a completely different pitcher from his 2-12 2024 season. At this point, Hudson must take it one game at a time. He’ll get his chance at a Major League comeback. However, he cannot have another disastrous season like he’s experienced in 2024.
Main Photo Credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
