August 25th, 2012 at 1:56 am 
by Ron Cervenka The Dodgers breathed a collective sigh of relief late Friday night when they received word that Chad Billingsley’s MRI revealed only right elbow inflammation and nothing more serious than that.
“It’s one thing about pitching; every time you step out on the mound you never know what could happen,” said Billingsley after Friday night’s 11-4 win over the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium. “From what the doc told me it’s just inflammation, and that’s a relief for me.”
Billingsley exited the game in the 4th inning after informing manager Don Mattingly that he wasn’t comfortable while throwing. Chad’s battery mate A.J. Ellis added in a post game interview that Chad’s fastball was off all night long and he knew that something was going on. Ellis added that Billingsley is a battler and usually tries to work through things like this, but having landed on the DL after the All-Star break, he didn’t want to take any chances.
Chad Billingsley walks off the field with head trainer Sue Falsone after feeling the same discomfort in his right elbow that landed him on the 15-day DL in July. (Photo credit – Mark J. Terrill)
Billingsley said that his elbow felt like it did in July when he went on the DL. He added that he would know better on Saturday morning as to his pitching status in the coming days or weeks. “It’s hard to tell when it just happened. I’m going to wake up tomorrow morning, get some treatment, and see where we’re at.”
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Chad is growing up! Much smarter to admit something is wrong and take care of it than to “tough it out” and really screw things up. It was obvious something was wrong from the start of the game, and kudos to Chad for not trying to be the hero. In admitting to the problem, he becomes a much larger hero in my eyes!
Whew!! This is good news, even if it means some more rest for Billingsley. Just hoping he gets back for his next start, if not soon after.
This doesn’t sound like good news to me. It took a full 15-days on the DL for Chad to get over his elbow inflammation the first time, and it obviously didn’t solve the problem. I don’t see how he will possibly be able to make his next start, or even his next two or three starts.
I think it’s hard to say what will happen over the next five days or so, but I mean, if he doesn’t have to go back on the DL, even if he’s day to day than I think it’s a good sign.
If he does have to go back on the DL, at least there’s a chance he can still come back strong.
Last night, I had just hit “send” on a forum post when Billingsley had sailed a pitch over the batter’s head. My post stated:
“Billingsley is walking a tight-rope tonight. He’s nowhere near the pitcher we’ve seen the last 6 outings.”
Right after I’d sent it, Falsone and Honeycutt went to the mound. Obviously I removed the post when Bills left the game.
Hope he gets back on track for a pennant run down the stretch. If it’s anything related to potential Tommy John surgery in the offseason, don’t put it off… get it done ASAP!
The Dodgers lucked out again with the timely acquisition of Josh Beckett. I can’t wait for Kershaw, Billingsley and Beckett in the rotation. Dodger Stadium should help Beckett’s numbers and provide a much needed attitude adjustment!