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Hudson

The O-Dog has eight multihit games in his last 10 starts, and a 996 OPS during August. When he’s hot he’s hot, and when he’s cold he’s cold. Hopefully he’s in your lineup this month.

The only player in doubt is Hudson, who did not play in the final five exhibition games because of a slight oblique strain.

“Well, that’s news to me,” Ricciardi said. “In fact we haven’t had one call on him and his name was never brought up in Phoenix (at the general managers meetings two weeks ago).” The Blue Jays aren’t interested in trading Hudson for prospects, but they would consider making a move if they could get a quality pitcher in return.

“We’re 99% sure he’ll be a go on Tuesday,” according to manager Carlos Tosca. Get ready to activate the Jays’ starting second baseman if you need him in your lineup this week.

Hudson is mired in an 0-for-19 slump and was given a ‘mental break’ by manager Carlos Tosca yesterday. He will be back in for the Jays today.

No surpriser here. Leadoff hitter Shannon Stewart will be followed by Frank Catalanotto, Vernon Wells, Carlos Delgado, Eric Hinske, Hudson, Chris Woodward and Ken Huckaby. Hudson and Woodward could flip-flop based on who has the hot hand. Also, Hudson could be a candidate to bat second when Catalanotto needs a day off.

Dingman retired Alex Rios to start the inning but then served up Hudson’s 10th homer on the season. At 58-55, the Blue Jays are 2 1/2 games back of the Yankees and 7 1/2 games back of the Red Sox in the AL East.

It’s the same problem he’s been dealing with for more than a month. Hudson went 2-for-3 before leaving.

Hudson is batting .300 since the All-Star break, although his walk rate is down again. In fact, tonight’s free pass was his first since July 16. He’s not going to get back to the top of the lineup unless he does a better job of getting on base.