Orlando Hudson

Released Thursday by the Padres, second baseman Orlando Hudson will sign with the White Sox, CBSSports.com Insider Jon Heyman confirmed.

Hudson, 34, hit .211/.260/.317 with a home run and three stolen bases in 35 games for San Diego.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Hudson will play third base -- a position he's never played in the big leagues -- and back up Gordon Beckham at second base. Chicago third baseman Brent Morel has been troubled by a sore back and could be headed to the disabled list.

Hudson hit .246/.329/.352 with 19 stolen bases last season in San Diego.

MLB.com's Peter Gammons first reported the signing.

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