Devastating Diagnosis Turns Into Tough Choice
Hudson Lee’s Monday started with bad news. After an ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan, what he initially thought was a sprained ankle — a misstep while fielding during practice — turned out to be a fractured heel in his right foot. Doctors presented two stark options: undergo surgery to insert screws and fully repair the fracture, which would end his season, or have the fractured bone removed, sidelining him for seven to eight weeks. Both options carried a heavy cost for a player eager to stay on the mound.
A Familiar Struggle
Lee knows adversity well. During his freshman year at Wake Forest, a doctor’s visit revealed he needed Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss the entire season. A year later, a nerve issue in his shoulder cost him nearly another season. Now, before playing a single game at South Carolina, he faced another medical crossroads. “I’m kind of used to it at this point,” said the Spartanburg native, who transferred from Clemson this offseason.
Finding a Third Way
Instead of choosing between the two conventional options, Lee asked if he could delay surgery and continue pitching with his foot taped. Doctors confirmed that doing so posed no long-term risk. A Cortisone shot and careful taping later, the 6-foot-4, 239-pound left-hander returned to the bullpen just hours after his appointment. Each pitch planted firmly on his fractured heel, he felt only minor discomfort. “I was just happy I was out there, honestly,” Lee said. “Just grateful I could play.”
Testing the Limits in Game Action
Lee’s first in-game test came Wednesday during a 12-2 win over Gardner-Webb. Head coach Paul Mainieri instructed him to walk to the mound instead of running, limiting stress on the heel. Facing just two batters, Lee struck them both out on eight pitches. “It shows the passion that he has for our program, for our team,” Mainieri said. “I was really proud of Hudson, and he threw really well. I think he’s a guy we can count on.”
Pain Management and Perseverance
Lee plans to pitch through the 2026 season on his fractured heel and may even take the mound in summer ball before eventually undergoing surgery. He relies on taping, cushioned heel pads, and frequent trainer visits to manage discomfort. Toughness runs in his blood — lessons from his father taught him never to complain. Lee carried that mindset through high school, playing football with a broken wrist and calling it one of his best seasons. “Maybe that’ll happen this year,” he said.
