Braves fear Hudson done for season

ATLANTA -- Tim Hudson thought the Atlanta Braves' medical staff was joking about ligament damage in his pitching elbow.

"I was floored," Hudson said. "I didn't understand."

Hudson's injury, the latest in a series of devastating injuries to Atlanta's pitching staff, likely assures the Braves will approach the trade deadline with no more thoughts of contending this season.

"It's kind of a cherry on top for what's been going on around here," Hudson said dryly.

The right-handed Hudson went on the disabled list Monday after an MRI found the damage. The Braves also placed slugger Chipper Jones on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury, yet another blow for a team that just a few days ago still had hoped to contend in the NL East.

General manager Frank Wren sounded as though the Braves will go into Thursday's deadline looking to acquire players who can help the team in 2009 and beyond. First baseman Mark Teixeira, in the final year of his contract and determined to test free agency, is the most likely to be dealt.

"The reality of the way things have gone recently and the number of injuries we're battling, I think it paints a pretty clear picture of what we should do and what we need to do," Wren said during a 12-3 loss to St. Louis. "We're in a position of great strength because we have the best player. We have some of the best assets out there that people want."

While never mentioning anyone by name, Wren knows plenty of contending teams are interested in a player such as Teixeira, who has 20 homers and a team-leading 77 RBIs. Center fielder Mark Kotsay, another player in the final year of his contract and unlikely to return, could be moved as well.

"There's lots of teams that desire them," Wren said.

Wren said the club is trying to get Hudson an appointment with orthopedist James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., this week.

"It's not good," Wren said. "It's more than inflammation. Some of the damage is old, some of it new."

Hudson is 11-7 with a 3.17 ERA. He wanted to start Monday against the Cardinals.

"It feels fine," Hudson said. "That's what's kind of frustrating for me. Nothing hurts."

Jones leads the majors in hitting at .369. He hurt his left hamstring running out a grounder Wednesday night and has been slow to heal.

Both players went on the DL retroactive to Friday, but that seems merely a technicality in Hudson's case.

The Braves' pitching staff has been ravaged by injuries. Longtime ace John Smoltz is out for the season. So is top reliever Peter Moylan. Two other key pitchers, Tom Glavine and Rafael Soriano, have spent significant time on the DL.