D-Backs notebook: Hudson likely out for season with injury

A collision with Braves catcher Brian McCann at second base on Saturday has likely ended Orlando Hudson’s season. Hudson hit McCann while attempting to catch an errant throw from Juan Cruz, then landed on the wrist on his way to the ground.

Haren’s bad outing, Hudson’s injury hurts D-Backs

Hudson’s wrist is either fractured or dislocated. If he needs surgery, he will be out for the year. Even without surgery, his season could be over.

It is unclear if the injury occurred on the collision or after hitting the ground.

Hudson missed most of September and the playoffs last season after tearing a ligament in his thumb while sliding into second base.

“An unfortunate incident again,” manager Bob Melvin said. “We all feel for him, obviously. A guy that plays 100 percent out there every day, one of the leaders on the team. … It’s very disappointing for him and us.”

The bizarre play happened in the sixth inning, with the bases loaded and two outs and Atlanta ahead 5-3.

McCann smoked a ball at third baseman Mark Reynolds, knocking his glove off and trickling into shallow left field. Two runs scored.

Reynolds then tried throwing out Yunel Escobar at third base, but the ball went wide of Stephen Drew and rolled to Cruz near home plate. McCann then bolted for second, and a throw by Cruz sailed wide and into center field, allowing Escobar to score for an 8-3 lead.

Hudson stretched for the ball and caught his wrist on McCann’s body. Hudson immediately hit the ground in agony and left the game.

Augie Ojeda will likely get the bulk of the playing time at second base. He filled in admirably last season after Hudson was shelved. Chris Burke will also see action at second.

“Whoever they put in there will have to try and go in and fill his shoes,” Ojeda said. “Those are some big feet to fill because he’s been a great player for us.”

ALEX WHO?

Melvin admits he didn’t know much about outfielder Alex Romero heading into spring training.

Arizona contemplated calling him up last September when the rosters expanded, but left him in the minors.

Once March came, Romero quickly made an impression and snagged the last roster spot on the opening-day roster. He was optioned to the minors twice early in the season, but eventually supplanted Jeff Salazar as the club’s fourth outfielder.

Now, with Justin Upton on the shelf with an oblique injury, Romero has taken the majority of playing time in right field.

He is hitting .263 since Upton’s injury, including a 3-for-4 night on Friday.

“He was opening eyes from Day 1,” Melvin said. “We got to see quite a bit of him this spring and his style of play. It’s carried over into the season and he’s really making a name for himself. At times, and even right now, he’s swinging the bat as well as anybody we have.”

Romero will return to backup duty when Upton rejoins the team, but will see time at each outfield spot when the starters need some rest.

When: 1:10 p.m.
Where: Chase Field
TV/Radio: FSN Arizona/KTAR (620 AM)
Line: Arizona 210-230
Records: Atlanta 55-62, Arizona 59-58
Pitchers: Atlanta left-hander Mike Hampton is 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA. Hampton picked up his first win since 2005 in his last start, giving up two runs in seven innings of work against the Giants. He has been hampered the past few seasons with elbow problems. Arizona right-hander Brandon Webb is 16-4 with a 2.93 ERA. Webb threw his third complete game of the season last time out against the Pirates, giving up one run and picking up his major league-leading 16th victory.