Hudson (elbow) continues to throw bullpens off a mound and face live hitters at the Cardinals' extended spring training facility in Florida, and manager Mike Shildt is holding out hope for a possible late-season return, the Cardinals' official site reports.
Hudson has been consistent in his optimism that he could potentially make a 2021 appearance on a big-league mound following the Tommy John surgery he underwent in September of 2020. He appears to be increasingly willing that possibility into existence, although there are no guarantees at this stage. Nevertheless, the fact that Hudson has now been throwing for multiple weeks without setbacks is encouraging, and if all parties ultimately opt to play it safe with respect to this season, Hudson certainly appears to be a proverbial lock to open the 2022 campaign at full strength.