MLB: Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson out for season with broken ankle
Atlanta have confirmed that veteran pitcher Tim Hudson will miss the remainder of the season with a broken ankle.
Last Updated: 25/07/13 5:30pm
Hudson sustained the injury in a freak accident during the Braves' 8-2 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field on Wednesday night.
The right-hander raced to cover first base when Mets batter Eric Young Jnr stepped on the back of Hudson's leg as he tried to beat the throw.
A visibly-shaken Young shook hands with the stricken pitcher before he was stretchered off the field, and the Mets slugger insisted afterwards the incident was an accident.
"I saw his foot as I'm going for the base right there in the middle, and as I came down, I knew I didn't get any of the base. I knew I got all of his foot," Young said. "I pretty much knew it was broke right when I did it.
"I apologised to him, told him it was an accident. He just told me to keep my head up and keep playing the game the hard way, the right way.
"He said there was nothing I can do about it. That made me feel better, but I'm still bummed that he's going to be out for a while. You never want to injure anybody, and I just hope he has a speedy recovery."
The Braves confirmed that Hudson (8-7), who had allowed only two runs on four hits and striking out nine in seven innings, will have surgery when the swelling around his ankle subsides.
The 38-year-old picked up his 200th career Major League win earlier this year, and is ranked eighth in the all-time list of winning percentages for pitchers.
Atlanta recalled left-hander Alex Wood from Triple-A side Gwinnett to start Thursday's clash with the Mets in place of Paul Maholm, who requires further treatment on a bruised left wrist.
The Braves' win on Wednesday gave them an eight-game lead in the National League East Division over Philadelphia, who have lost four in a row while third-placed Washington are without a win in seven outings.
