Diamondbacks GM unsure of Hudson's role next season

Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart admitted Tuesday he's not entirely sure how right-hander Daniel Hudson will be used in 2015 as he eases his way back from his second Tommy John surgery.

"We had a discussion about that, and we're not really sure," Stewart told Nick Piecoro of AZCentral. "We'd like to best utilize him in a way that we can get the most out of him. We're going to have to have more discussions with our training staff, and I'd like to ask some people externally about what they think of his condition and how we can best utilize him without hurting him."

A torn elbow ligament limited Hudson to just nine starts in 2012 and precipitated his first Tommy John surgery. Hudson, however, required a second procedure after re-tearing his ligament during a rehabilitation outing in June of 2013.

Hudson made his triumphant return to the major leagues this past September, making three relief appearances for the Diamondbacks after a hiatus that lasted more than two years. Though former general manager Kevin Towers intended to keep Hudson in a relief role for 2015, the plans could easily change under Stewart, who took over as general manager on Sept. 25.