CHICAGO • In a move that appeared to be equal parts theater and congratulations, Class AAA Memphis manager Stubby Clapp abruptly walked to the mound in the second inning Wednesday night of Dakota Hudson’s start at Salt Lake City, handed him a ball, and commenced a parade of hugs.
There was a show of celebratory hugs from his teammates, some of whom came in from the bullpen to greet the starting pitcher.
In a move that likely signals Hudson’s forthcoming presence in the majors, the Cardinals’ top Triple-A pitching prospect was removed 1 1/3 innings into his start.