Tim Hudson surrendered seven runs -- six earned -- in six innings Friday versus the Rockies. Hudson gave up a double, two walks and then three singles as part of a five-run first inning. He rebounded nicely after that, but the damage to his ERA was already done. Expect a better showing Wednesday against the Cubs.

Tim Hudson (back) gave up one run over 5 2/3 innings Tuesday in his final minor league rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett. Hudson scattered six hits while striking out four and walking two. The 36-year-old right-hander originally aimed to return from back surgery at the end of April and it appears he'll meet his goal. He's penciled in to start Sunday against the Pirates.

The Braves are targeting Tim Hudson (back) to come off the disabled list Sunday against the Pirates. As expected. Hudson had a 4.50 ERA and 5/4 K/BB ratio in 12 innings over three minor league rehab starts and is well worth adding wherever available, especially with the tasty matchup against the light-hitting Buccos. Randall Delgado appeared vulnerable to lose his spot upon Hudson's return, but he'll stick around for a little longer now that Jair Jurrjens has been demoted to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Tim Hudson (back) is expected to make his season debut on April 29 or 30 against the Pirates. Hudson pitched well in his last rehab start, and he'll get one more, throwing 100-110 pitches, before activation. "Stuff-wise last night I felt like I was pretty close to where I want to be," said Hudson. "I'd like to get my arm strength up a little bit. I was sitting around 89-90 [mph] most of the night. I had some 87, 88's in there - I don't like seeing those too much on the radar gun. But I think after pitching more and getting some more work, working out and long-tossing, that stuff will get better." Hudson will replace Randall Delgado in the rotation.

Tim Hudson (back) threw five innings of one-run ball Wednesday in a rehab start at Triple-A Gwinnett. It was a marked improvement over his first couple of rehab outings. Hudson, who has been on the disabled list since the start of the regular season as he recovers from back surgery, is aiming to join the Braves' starting rotation in late April. Randall Delgado has been filling in.

Tim Hudson (back) allowed five runs on nine hits over four innings Thursday in his second minor league rehab start with Class A Rome. Not pretty, though he was better than the line indicated. Hudson threw 45 out of 62 pitches for strikes while fanning one and walking none. He remains on track to join the Braves' rotation in early May. Randall Delgado will continue to fill his spot for now.

Tim Hudson (back) is scheduled to make his second rehab start Thursday night at Single-A Rome. Hudson threw three innings for Rome Saturday in his first rehab outing and will likely try to last through four frames on Thursday. The veteran righty is aiming to join the Braves' rotation during the first week of May. Randall Delgado is serving as Atlanta's fifth starter in the interim.

Tim Hudson (back) pitched two scoreless innings Monday in his start against the Mets. Hudson struck out two and walked none in his spring debut. He's slated to spend 30 days in the minors on the DL to start the season, but he'll be back in Atlanta's rotation in early May.

Tim Hudson (back) is scheduled to pitch two innings Monday against the Mets. Hudson underwent surgery in November to repair a herniated disc in his back and will be making his spring debut. "My arm strength isn't quite where I want it, but it's pretty good for the stage of where I'm at - I'm in what amounts to the second week of spring training for me," Hudson said. Hudson is scheduled to make five or six rehab starts at Class-A Rome and Triple-A Gwinnett before joining the Atlanta rotation by the first week of May.

Tim Hudson threw live batting practice Thursday in Braves camp for the first time this spring. "It felt really good," Hudson said after the workout. "I had a little extra adrenaline with hitters in there. I think that little extra adrenaline gets me feeling like game speed. It's coming out really good." The veteran right-hander is scheduled to throw live batting practice again on Sunday and should be an active member of the Atlanta rotation by the first week of May.