41 Daniel Hudson, SP

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, pitched in an extended spring training game Friday. It was the first time he has faced non-Arizona hitters since his procedure.

Hudson threw four innings as he struck out one and allowed two runs against minor-league players from the Angels organization.

"It went well," Hudson said. "Nothing out of the ordinary. I got a bunch of ground balls and I got out of the heat as quick as I could. Obviously, I'd thrown a couple of [simulated] games and a live [batting practice], so I've been facing hitters, but once you get out there against someone in a different colored uniform, different adrenaline and emotions start kicking in. Felt like I was getting a lot closer, and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting a little bit brighter now."

Hudson is expected to throw a bullpen session Monday. Barring any setbacks, he will pitch five innings in an extended spring training game Thursday.

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, is expected to throw 50-55 pitches when he throws in an extended spring game Friday, according to The Arizona Republic. Hudson threw 46 pitches in a simulated game Saturday.

Hudson is projected to be out until the All-Star break in July, but the paper suggests Hudson might be back before the end of June.

Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, threw three innings in a simulated game Saturday at Salt Rivers Field, MLB.com reports.

Hudson remains on track to return around the All-Star break, according to the report.

In my latest Reality Check, I looked at DL players and ranked the 25 most worth owning in Fantasy. Predictably, the comments section became a list of who I left out, but one name in particular caught my attention: Daniel Hudson.

To be honest, I didn't give the Diamondbacks' right-hander much thought. At last check, he's aiming to come back in early July, which puts him not far behind fellow Tommy John victim Brandon Beachy, but I'm just not as excited about the prospect of him returning.

For one thing, we still don't know how good he can be. Beachy was looking like an ace at the time of his injury last year while Hudson was getting pummeled, and while Hudson's 2011 season was significantly better, he allowed nearly a hit per inning even then.

Obviously, if I had a free DL spot, I'd stash Hudson, but I'm not so convinced he'll make a big impact right away that I'm willing to invest a bench spot in him outside of NL-only leagues.