The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to end the season of Chad Billingsley, sending him down to the 60-day disabled list today. The right-handed pitcher has had trouble with right elbow pain and hasn't pitched since August 24th. He's gone 10-9 in 25 starts but has also won his last six decisions, posting a 3.55 ERA overall. Billingsley would have returned in a relief role.
To make up for his loss, the Dodgers have brought up left-handed reliever Steven Rodriguez from Double-A Chattanooga. Rodriguez has five saves with a 0.92 ERA in 21 relief appearances. He was selected in the second round with the 82nd pick by the Dodgers out of the University of Florida and has pitched lights out at Chattanooga, allowing a batting average of .149 and striking out 22 over 13.2 innings.
Don Mattingly indicates that Billingsley will receiving an injection of platelet-rich plasma in his right elbow, and his return this season is unlikely.
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