Braves’ Hudson undergoes season-ending surgery

Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson underwent surgery on his fractured right ankle Friday afternoon.

The procedure to repair a fractured fibula and the deltoid ligament in his right ankle was performed by Braves orthopedic surgeon Dr. Marvin Royster in Atlanta.

Braves general manager Frank Wren said Hudson is expected to need three to four months of recovery.

Hudson suffered a fractured right ankle on a gruesome play in the eighth inning of Wednesday’s 8-2 win against the New York Mets. He was taken off the field on a stretcher after being injured when Eric Young’s spike hit flush on Hudson’s ankle at first base.

Hudson, who is due to become a free agent at the conclusion of this season, has spent the last nine years with the Braves. He was traded from Oakland following the 2004 season.

Earlier this season, Hudson had a 10-game winless stretch, the longest of his career. But he turned it around. After going 0-3 in six starts in the month of June, Hudson went 4-0 in four starts in the month of July. He needs three strikeouts for 1,000 with the Braves.

This season, Hudson went 8-7 with a 3.97 ERA in 21 starts.

Hudson has a winning record in all 15 of his years in the majors. He was the 2010 NL Comeback Player of the Year after compiling a 17-9 record and 2.83 ERA in 34 starts. The year prior, he pitched in only seven games upon returning from Tommy John ligament transplant surgery on his pitching elbow.