Hudson reflects on mechanics' role in walks record

SAN DIEGO -- Tim Hudson didn't entirely attribute his record-setting control to refined pitching mechanics, but he acknowledged that certain aspects of his motion may have helped him avoid walking batters.

Hudson again refrained from issuing free passes Saturday for the fourth start in a row and reached 30 consecutive innings without a walk -- a franchise record to begin the season.

"I think mechanically I've been staying in line with the catcher a lot more than I have been," Hudson said.

He wasn't certain whether the right ankle injury he overcame has forced him to be more deliberate in his delivery.

"I know I'm not quite as powerful off the rubber. Maybe because of that I'm staying more sound mechanically," he said.

Hudson also said in all seriousness, "I've never been a guy that was a control pitcher." This is the same Hudson who averaged fewer than three walks per nine innings in 11 of 13 seasons from 2001 to 2013.