Tim Hudson shut out the Nationals for six innings to win Thursday. Hudson, named the Braves' Opening Day starter earlier in the day, scattered six hits, all of them singles, and struck out five. He's 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA this spring.

Tim Hudson will start for the Braves on Opening Day -- April 1 -- against the Phillies. A nice honor for the 37-year-old righty. Hudson posted a solid 3.62 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 179 innings in 2012 and should again carry mixed-league value in 2013. He will be followed in the Atlanta starting rotation by Kris Medlen, Mike Minor, Paul Maholm and Julio Teheran.

Tim Hudson was tagged for six runs in five innings by the Marlins on Sunday. Hudson told the AJC's David O'Brien that although he feels great physically, his mechanics are off and he couldn't find his curveball today. He's now given up 10 runs in 14 innings this spring, but he still has three more starts to turn it around.

Tim Hudson pitched a pair of hitless innings Friday against the Tigers. Hudson is healthy this spring after missing the first few weeks of 2012 following offseason back surgery. As a nod to his experience and history of success, he's expected to be the Braves' Opening Day starter.

Braves exercised RHP Tim Hudson's $9 million club option for 2013. Another expected move. Hudson, 37, posted a 3.62 ERA and 102/48 K/BB ratio in 179 innings over 28 starts this season. He has expressed interest in staying with Atlanta beyond 2013.

The Braves are expected to exercise Tim Hudson's $9 million option for 2013, but the right-hander is hoping to remain with Atlanta beyond next season. "I'd love to stay here," said Hudson. "Obviously for next year, but I'd love to stay here as long as they'll have me. I understand a business is a business." Hudson is coming off a nice year, as he won 16 games while posting a 3.62 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. But, he'll turn 38 in the middle of next season, so the Braves might just wait it out before thinking about extending him.

The Braves are expected to exercise Tim Hudson's $9 million club option next season.

Tim Hudson turned in a quality start in Friday's loss to the Mets, allowing three runs on five hits over his seven frames. Hudson punched out four on the night while walking one. He cruised through the first six innings without any trouble, until Lucas Duda smashed a three-run homer with two-outs in the seventh. Hudson finishes the regular season with a 16-7 record, 3.62 ERA and 102/48 K/BB ratio over 179 innings. Should the Braves make it, he's likely to start the first game of a potential divisional series on October 7.

Tim Hudson could be scratched from his start next Wednesday against the Pirates. Doing so would set up Hudson to start Game 1 of a potential division series on October 7. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said he could use Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado and Ben Sheets next Wednesday instead.

Tim Hudson picked up his 16th win of the season Sunday, holding the Phillies to just one unearned run over 7 1/3 frames. Hudson was superb, allowing just two singles, a walk and a hit by pitch while striking out four. He had been touched up for four runs each of his previous two times out, so the Braves no doubt liked seeing their veteran righty rebound. He could get extra rest before his next start but will likely face the Marlins either way.