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The Atlanta Braves and Tim Hudson are nearing agreement on a three-year contract that would protect the team's strength at starting pitching.

Atlanta holds a $12 million option on the 34-year-old Hudson, a right-hander who was 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in seven starts this season after his return from elbow ligament-replacement surgery.

Hudson's agent, Paul Cohen, said Thursday the sides are getting closer to a deal but no agreement has been completed.

RED SOX: Boston acquired outfielder and ex-Greensboro Bat Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins for left-handers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones. Hermida was the Marlins' first-round pick in 2002 but has yet to fulfill his projected potential. He hit .259 this year with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs. He's a career .265 hitter with 57 homers.

GIANTS: San Francisco pitcher Tim Lincecum is facing misdemeanor marijuana charges following a traffic stop in his home state of Washington.

Washington State Patrol spokesman Steve Schatzel said that the 2008 Cy Young Award winner and former University of Washington star was pulled over for speeding on Interstate 5 in the town of Hazel Dell, about four miles north of the Oregon border, on Oct. 30.

DODGERS: The wife of Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt lost her bid to be reinstated as the team's chief executive during a hearing in the couple's messy divorce.

Jamie McCourt, 55, was fired last month by her husband, who claims she was having an affair with her bodyguard-driver, also a Dodger employee who was fired, and was doing a poor job in her role as chief executive.

Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon ruled that no state law supports Jamie McCourt's bid to get her job back.

However, Gordon has yet to decide whether the Dodgers are considered community or separate property.