Hudson likely to need Tommy John Surgery

After being examined by 2 doctors who found major ligament damage in his pitching elbow, Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson is likely going to need Tommy John Surgery.

Hudson was examined by the team’s lead orthopedist, Dr. Xavier Duralde, and by Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Alabama. Both doctors said surgery was likely, but Hudson said he would try to rehab it for a little while. Hudson is likely going to miss the rest of this season, and most of 2009. The injury to Hudson was a major factor in trading away Mark Teixeira, as all the injuries made it impossible for the Bravos to contend this year.