MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick reports that Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday. The right-hander is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent on April 25 last year.
The Dodgers have had tremendous production out of all five slots in the starting rotation, so it’s hard to imagine Billingsley pushing anyone out when he’s ready. As a result, the Dodgers could use Billingsley out of the bullpen.
Billingsley, 29, hasn’t pitched since April 15 against the Padres last season. The right-hander is earning $12 million this season and the Dodgers have a $14 million option on him with a $3 million buy out for the 2015 season.