Trey

Hodges

Hodges, who has a 6.35 ERA in five starts for Richmond, had a cortisone shot for the problem prior to the start of spring training, but he’s still troubled. He’s expected to see Dr. James Andrews later this week.

Hodges has thrown lightly on the side before a long-toss session Tuesday. A prognosis for his return may be made after the bullpen session. He’s eligible to return Monday.

No MRI is scheduled.

Hodges, 25, had a 4.66 ERA in 65 2/3 innings for the Braves last year, but he had spent all of this season in the minors.

Hodges, filling in for Paul Byrd tonight, is expected to return to the bullpen to make room for Shane Reynolds.

Hodges, 26, had a 4.66 ERA in 65 2/3 innings for the Braves in 2003. Atlanta sold him to the Hanshin Tigers last June, but he didn’t have any success in Japan and elected to return to the U.S. There probably won’t be room for him in the Minnesota pen at the start of the year, but he’ll get a look if he pitches well in Triple-A.

Hodges has gone 13 1/3 innings without allowing a run and has a 1.76 ERA this season. He shouldn’t be unowned in NL-only leagues.

Hodges last pitched in the majors with the Braves in 2003, posting a 4.66 ERA in 65 2/3 innings. Joey Devine could head right back to the minors to open up a roster spot.

Hodges probably won’t get a spot in Atlanta’s rotation, but he’ll be a nice $1-$2 pick if he makes the team as a middle reliever.

Hodges hadn’t allowed a run in six innings this spring. The right-hander will make the Braves as a middle reliever, but he’s probably not going to be worth owning unless he’s added to the rotation at some point.