Braves Exercise Options on Brian McCann, Tim Hudson, Paul Maholm for 2013

Braves make decisions on McCann, Hudson, Maholm

As expected the Atlanta Braves have exercised options on catcher Brian McCann, right-hander Tim Hudson and left-hander Paul Maholm.

McCann will earn $12 million in 2013. McCann is coming off a shoulder injury , hit .230/.300/.399 with 20 homers, 67 RBI and a .698 OPS in 121 games this year and could be at risk for missing the start of the 2013 season.

Hudson, 37, posted a 3.62 ERA and 102/48 K/BB ratio in 179 innings over 28 starts this season, and has expressed an interest in staying in Atlanta beyond 2013. he will earn $9 million in 2013.

Maholm will earn $6.5 million in 2013. Maholm posted a solid 3.67 ERA over 189 innings.  Maholm and outfielder Reed Johnson were acquired from the Cubs in a mid-summer trade for promising right-hander Arodys Vizcaino and right-handed reliever Jaye Chapman

The Braves project to have Maholm,  Hudson, Kris Medlen, Mike Minor, Tommy Hanson, Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado in the mix for rotation spots.

Brandon Beachy begin a throwing program this week for the first time since undergoing season ending Tommy John surgery in June. Beachy could return to the Braves around the All-Star break exterior