Hudson progressing in Arizona

5/10/2008 6:23 PM

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -Luke Hudson, who had shoulder surgery last June and opened this season on the Royals' disabled list, could begin throwing batting practice soon.

Hudson, who was in Kansas City's rotation in 2006, is rehabbing at the team's Surprise, Ariz., complex. J.J. Picollo, director of player development for the Royals, said Saturday that Hudson is getting close to pitching in games.

``He's throwing 30-pitch sides right now,'' Picollo said. ``The reports have all been good. We're hoping by the end of this month, he'll be able to pitch in extended games and then we can start talking about a rehab assignment and get him prepared to hopefully help our big league team. Toward the end of next week he might have a live batting practice.

``We were shooting for mid-May to face hitters in a live batting practice. It looks like he is on track to do that.''

If Hudson continues to make progress with no setbacks, Picollo said Hudson could start a minor league rehab assignment by early June.

Hudson was 7-6 with a 5.12 ERA in 2006 with Kansas City, but made only one start in the majors last season before needing shoulder surgery.