Hudson will play third for White Sox
The White Sox are expecting Orlando Hudson to be in uniform for Tuesday’s home game against the Minnesota Twins, and he likely will start at third base.
Released by the San Diego Padres on Thursday after batting .211 with 1 home run and 11 RBI in 35 games, the Sox are getting Hudson cheap — the prorated major-league minimum $480,000.
Hudson, signed by the Padres to a two-year, $11.5 million contract before the 2011 season by current Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer, is still owed $6.25 million, which includes a $2 million buyout.
The Padres are on the hook for the entire amount.
While he has been a second baseman his entire 11-year career, and a four-time Golf Glove winner, Hudson did play some third base in the minor leagues.
Brent Morel (back) is expected to land on the disabled list Tuesday, so look for Hudson at third.
“As far as I know, he is (going to play third),” manager Robin Ventura said. “That’s probably more of where he would play with Gordon (Beckham) being at second.
“He might be able to fill in there later, give him a day off here and there.”
Hudson, 34, is a career .276 hitter. He was an all-star in 2007 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in ‘09 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“He plays hard, good defense, good at-bats,” Ventura said. “A lot of guys like playing with him.”