Tim Hudson didn't look like a man ready to hang it up Tuesday night. Making his first start for the Giants in six weeks, the veteran right-hander allowed one run in six innings against the Diamondbacks and hit a home run for good measure.
But he made clear afterward that this, his 17th major league season, will be his last.
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“This is definitely my last year, for sure,” Hudson said, via the San Francisco Chronicle. “It’s the right thing to do. It’s the right time for me and my family. I played this game a lot longer than I ever thought I would. I’ve been blessed to compete and have a long career.”
Hudson, 40, will remain in the Giants rotation for the rest of the season, manager Bruce Bochy said Tuesday. Hudson vacated his starting spot when San Francisco acquired Mike Leake from the Reds at the July 31 trade deadline and ended up on the disabled list with a shoulder strain.
He was activated last week when rosters expanded and made two appearances out of the bullpen — only the second and third relief outings in his 478-game big-league career — before starting Tuesday.
A four-time All-Star, Hudson broke into the majors with Oakland in 1999. He spent six years with the A's and nine with the Braves before returning to the Bay Area last year and helping the Giants win the World Series.
