Two years after having their consecutive division title streak snapped at 14, the John Smoltz-less Atlanta Braves are again pitching their way through the NL East, but a hamstring injury to Tim Hudson may derail them - at least for now. Hudson suffered what he considers to be a minor hamstring injury in the seventh inning of Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. He is day-to-day and will be reexamined Monday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Before the injury, Hudson’s 3.01 ERA, 7 wins and 51 strikeouts led the team, but just as in the days of Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Greg Maddux, several other lesser known arms appear ready to pick up the slack. The Braves lead the National League with 3.8 runs allowed, and while they will not accumulate strikeouts - seventh in NL with 395 - or remind anyone of Maddux - 17th in MLB with 200 walks - they find ways to win.

The starting rotation, led by Hudson, Tom Glavine and Jair Jurrjens, has combined for a 3.55 ERA, which leads the NL and is fourth in MLB. Although he has struggled lately, Jurrjens has emerged as a reliable option for Bobby Cox and ffor antasy owners. The 22-year-old has posted a 5-3 record with a 3.46 ERA, including a stretch of 13 innings with only two earned runs. He has no choice but to regain that form as the Braves start a seven-game home stand Monday against the Phillies and Marlins. 

Dave DeIuliis will be a senior in Penn State’s School of Journalism. He can be reached at dmd5042@psu.edu.