Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates before going on the 15-day disabled list. Hudson started Sunday against the Brewers and threw five solid innings in his return. (Image: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)

Hudson was on the disabled list after suffering an impingement on his right shoulder.  Prior to his DL stint, Hudson was 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA after just three starts on the young season.  Hudson replaced young pitching prospect Patrick Corbin, who was sensational at times, and at other times not so good.  Corbin was 2-3 with a 5.27 ERA in five starts in Hudson’s absence.  For Corbin it was valuable time with the parent club while it will serve him as learning experience for the next time he is called up.

Hudson’s return for the Diamondbacks is a welcome return to a struggling starting rotation.  Wade Miley and Trevor Cahill have been spectacular, while Joe Saunders and Ian Kennedy  are struggling, so Hudson could breathe new life and confidence into his teammates.

His effect was apparent during his first start back against the Brewers and although he didn’t figure in the decision and only lasted five innings, he was able to keep the D-backs within striking distance.  He only allowed one walk and struck out three while only allowing two runs.

The heroes of the game for the Diamondbacks were Paul Goldschmidt, Jason Kubel, Ryan Roberts, and Henry Blanco whom all had an RBI apiece.  Goldschmidt’s came on a moon shot of a home run off the batter’s eye in center field officially measured at 471 feet.  Kubel tied the game with his RBI and then Blanco hit in the go ahead run and the bullpen held up.

J.J. Putz pitched the ninth for his 11th save of the season while Bryan Shaw got the final two outs of the sixth inning for the win.  Brewers starter Randy Wolf threw well enough for the win, but ended up getting a no decision after errors cost the Brewers the lead and eventually the game.  Former D-back Cody Ransom went one for two against his former club with an RBI, two walks, and a run scored.

The Diamondbacks open a three-game series against division-rival San Francisco Monday at AT&T Park with Trevor Cahill going against Barry Zito.  If the Diamondbacks are going to make up ground, they are going to have to continue getting decent pitching from their starters and getting offensive support from everyone.  Winning is contagious and hopefully everyone in the Diamondbacks clubhouse has is infected with winning after this series.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are just one team in the NL West that has looked to improve itself in the off-season.  All the others have made moves to try to do the same.  Even after winning the division, there is always room for improvement.  Here is a look at the biggest additions and losses for each NL West team through this weekend.  I would suspect that some teams, even the Dbacks, are not done making moves yet.  We shall see.

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