Giants' Hudson behind schedule in recovery from ankle surgery

Tim Hudson's potential final MLB season is not off to an ideal start.

The San Francisco Giants right-hander is behind schedule in his recovery from right ankle surgery, manager Bruce Bochy said Wednesday.

The 39-year-old underwent surgery in January and was given an eight-week timeline for a return to action. It's the same ankle, however, Hudson fractured in late 2013.

It's unclear if Hudson will be a part of the rotation to open the season, but the Giants can have Yusmeiro Petit step in if needed.

Hudson, who went 9-13 with a 3.57 ERA in 31 starts in 2014, is contemplating retirement following the 2015 campaign.