Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Chad Billingsley Throws Breaking Balls Off Mound

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Right-hander Chad Billingsley is working towards a midseason return for the Los Angeles Dodgers coming off Tommy John surgery last season. He’s at Camelback Ranch and is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in order to return by the estimated June return date. Billingsley’s rehab is going well and he took a significant step towards his full recovery this week.

According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, the 29-year-old ramped up his bullpen session today:



Dodgers pitcherChad Billingsley threw breaking balls off a mound Saturday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last April 25.

It had good spin, I’ve just got to get the feel back and the release point, said Billingsley. I definitely was a little rusty.

Along with curveballs, Billingsley also threw fastballs and change ups in his bullpen session. He added after that he may mix in his cutter in the near future, depending on how his arm feels. The right-hander will wait until tomorrow to see how everything feels in order to determine his next move. Billingsley hasn’t had a setback in his rehab thus far and said that he is beginning to stretch and test out his ligament.

In 2012, Billingsley ended the season on the disabled list after experiencing pain in his right elbow. He chose to try and strengthen his elbow, rather than undergo surgery and entered 2013 in the Dodgers’ rotation. After just two starts, Billingsley was unable to continue and was forced into Tommy John surgery.

He’s expected back in late May or June and could find himself in the mix for the fifth spot in the Dodgers’ rotation. A healthy Billingsley in could be similar to a midseason acquisition for the team, providing relief to the other starters or possibly fill in for injuries. Billingsley is right on schedule and will be a welcome addition to the club.

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Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

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