Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Billingsley Feels Sensation In Elbow, Pulled From Start

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Prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 6-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, Josh Beckett threw a successful bullpen session days after leaving his rehab start with Single-A  Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Saturday with an apparent injury. With Clayton Kershaw on the disabled list and Hyun-Jin Ryu first admitting to and then showing signs of early fatigue, the Dodgers are in a bit of need of healthy starting pitchers.

One candidate who could help fill the void is Chad Billingsley, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery in April 2013. Billingsley made the first of five planned rehab starts on Sunday and like Beckett, was removed early. Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports the reason for Billingsley’s early exit was due to a sensation in his elbow:



While reports of any feeling in Billingsley’s elbow may raise some flags, manger Don Mattingly said Billingsley was removed more as a precaution, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News:

Hoornstra further reports the pain isn’t believed to be serious:

While the situation isn’t believed to be serious, it will likely push back Billingsley’s potential return date. Any contributions from Billingsley would be much-needed at this point, but the Dodgers must also caution against rushing him back. The 29-year-old right hander has a career record of 81-61 and made just two starts in 2013 before being shut down for the season.

The Dodgers have been able to manage with four starters thus far, but will soon need a fifth as the number of off days gets reduced. With Billingsley out of the picture for the foreseeable future, Beckett’s return and Paul Maholm’s ability to pitch well both become major points of importance for the Dodgers.

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Dodgers news: Clayton Kershaw placed on the disabled list

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