PHOENIX -- It didn't matter that Daniel Hudson had pitched three days in a row. The D-backs reliever wanted to get on the mound for the final game of the season -- and possibly his last in an Arizona uniform.
An inconsistent season ended with Hudson pitching a scoreless ninth to earn the win in the D-backs' walk-off 3-2 win over the Padres at Chase Field on Sunday afternoon. The right-hander, who has undergone two Tommy John surgeries, will be a free agent this offseason.
"That was cool," said Hudson, who notched a pair of strikeouts in preserving a 2-2 tie. "It was a cool moment. I wanted to get in there one more time."
Before the game, manager Chip Hale was asked if he'd like to get Hudson in the game because it could potentially be his last with the club. The skipper was skeptical because of Hudson's recent workload, saying he'd need to check with the right-hander.
Hale was quickly persuaded.
"The caveat was if there's any issue getting loose or tightness or soreness, then shut him down and we'll move on from there," Hale said. "He said he felt great, and obviously his stuff was very good."
Hudson's time with Arizona began in 2010 as a starter. He even recorded 16 wins in his first full season with the D-backs in '11.
But after the pair of Tommy John surgeries, Hudson returned in 2014 as a reliever in the back end of Arizona's bullpen.
It was truly an inconsistent 2016 season for Hudson. After an appearance on June 21, he owned a 1.55 ERA. But in his next 15 appearances from June 23 to Aug. 2, Hudson posted a 24.21 ERA. However, he finished the year on a strong note, pitching to a 1.69 ERA over 11 games in September.
When asked by reporters about potentially not returning to the D-backs next season, Hudson broke down in tears.
"I hope it's not the last time I talk to you guys, but it's been fun," Hudson said. "I can't talk anymore."