PHOENIX — A week ago, Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson was fielding questions about where right-hander Daniel Hudson might fit in the starting rotation when his rehab from Tommy John surgery was complete in a matter of weeks.

Friday, Gibson answered very different questions after the team announced Hudson had re-torn his ulnar collateral ligament during his first rehab start earlier this week.

“It felt like I got kicked in the stomach,” Gibson said of his reaction to the news. “He was very hungry for it, and it’s been a long journey for him.

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“I’m sure he’s highly disappointed. I felt really bad for him. Of course we all do, beyond what it means for the team.”

Gibson had not yet spoken to Hudson on Friday, and Hudson did not come to Chase Field as he took time to process the news. Hudson and the D-backs medical staff are evaluating his options, and reports indicate Hudson will see renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews before deciding what’s next.

Hudson re-injured his elbow in a rehab start Tuesday with Double-A Mobile. Hudson left the game after just two innings when he felt stiffness in the elbow that underwent Tommy John surgery last July 9. He returned to Phoenix for an MRI and was initially optimistic.

Worst flight of my life last year. Never thought I would have to do it again so soon. Good news is the elbow feels different than last time — Daniel Hudson (@DHuddy41) June 5, 2013

The MRI confirmed the worst, and as hard as Gibson took the news, Hudson had to take it exponentially harder. Still, he indicated he’s planning on working his way back again.

Adversity is a fact of life. It can’t be controlled. What we can control is how we react to it. Fall down seven times, stand up eight — Daniel Hudson (@DHuddy41) June 7, 2013

Gibson said he does not yet know what Hudson’s options are.

“There’s interesting turns in everybody’s journey, and I think he’ll be up to it,” Gibson said. “I’m not sure where his decision process is, but we’ll all certainly support him in whatever he decides to do.

“He’s got a lot on his mind I’m sure. … He’s an extremely driven guy, he likes to do what he does, and I’m hoping he decides to stick it out, resolve it and get back and play the game.”

The D-backs expected Hudson back this month in what would have been a welcome addition to a rotation in mild disarray with Ian Kennedy and Wade Miley struggling lately and Brandon McCarthy sidelined with a shoulder injury. Now, Hudson will likely be out for at least another year, probably requiring another Tommy John procedure.

“I know he’s pretty crushed about it,” Gibson said. “Everything was done properly by all parties, and certainly he did his job and it didn’t work out.”

The 26-year-old Hudson struggled early last season before the injury, finishing 3-2 with a 7.35 ERA, but in 2011, he went 16-12 and had a 3.49 ERA with 169 strikeouts and 50 walks as the No. 2 pitcher in the D-backs’ rotation.

Hudson is being paid $518,000 this year and becomes eligible for arbitration in 2014.