CSN Bay Area

Giants starting pitcher Tim Hudson underwent surgery last Friday in North Carolina to remove bone spurs from his right ankle.

"Tim started experiencing increased discomfort as he was ramping up his offseason workouts and we decided it was best to take care of this now so he doesn't have to deal with this during the upcoming season," Giants assistant GM and VP Bobby Evans said. "We expect Tim to be ready to go Opening Day."

What does San Francisco broadcaster Mike Krukow think of the news?

"Better now than the first day of Spring Training," Krukow told KNBR 680-AM Wednesday morning. "... Even if he doesn't make his first start till the first of May -- fine.

"Think about what he did last year. He was great earlier in the year and at age 38 he started to sputter a little bit and leaked a little oil as the season wore on. So my whole thing is 'start him later.' And this may cause that. The rehab on his ankle may delay his first start. So what?

"If you miss him in April and half of May, well you're gonna have him through the month of September, which is more important anyway, and then hopefully back into October. So I'm not overly concerned about it. It's not a career-ender, and I think if anything, it's going to allow him to pitch deeper into the season..."

Through his first 13 starts last season, Hudson went 7-2 with a 1.81 ERA.

But on June 18 at the White Sox, Hudson allowed seven earned runs on 12 hits.

That start included, the four-time All-Star registered a 2-11 record and a 5.13 ERA through the end of the season.

He went 0-1 with a 4.29 ERA in four postseason starts.

Giants pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 18.