Veteran second baseman Orlando Hudson is on his way to join the White Sox soon, according to a team source.

Hudson, 34, who was given his unconditional release by the San Diego Padres this week, is making it known to players and media that he will be joining the team. He batted .211 with one home run and 11 RBI for San Diego this season.

Although Hudson has not played third base in the major leagues, he did play the position a lot in the minor leagues. The Sox might need help at the position soon. Brent Morel's back has kept him out of the lineup for two consecutive games, and Morel and manager Robin Ventura both said Saturday that Morel might go on the disabled list.

Sox general manager Ken Williams has tried to acquire Hudson in the past, particularly in 2009. Williams did not immediately return messages to comment.

Hudson, who was released on Thursday, has reportedly agreed to a contract with the Sox, possibly a minor-league deal.

"We felt it was time to make a change," Padres general manager Josh Byrnes said after releasing Hudson. "O-Dog has been a two-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner and a contributor to playoff teams, but at this point, we want to give our younger players an opportunity."

The Padres signed Hudson to an $11.5 million, two-year contract prior to the 2011 season. He was making $5.5 million this year, with a $2 million buyout for next season. The Sox would be off the hook for that deal.

Hudson has a career .276 average, .343 on-base percentage and .415 slugging percentage.