Dodgers Nation Wishes Chad Billingsley A Happy Birthday

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley has been plagued by the injury bug for two consecutive seasons. The right-hander was thought to be on the road to recovery after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2013 and receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in late-April of 2014.

However, due to a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, Billingsley was forced to undergo a second season-ending surgery of his career.

The 29-year-old right hander started two games for the Dodgers in 2013 and went 1-0 record in 12 innings. In 2012, Billingsley posted a 10-9 record with a 3.55 ERA in 25 games, while recording 128 strikeouts.

Billingsley has been a workhorse for the Dodgers’ staff in seasons past. Since 2007, he had thrown 147-plus innings each season until having Tommy John surgery in 2013. During his 2008 season, Billingsley threw a career-high 200.2 innings.

The 6’1″, 240 pound pitcher made the 2009 All-Star team for the first time in his career. During his 2009 campaign, he ranked 24th in the National League in ERA (4.03), 28th in WHIP (1.32), 12th in strikeouts (179), T-20th in wins, (12), 20th in innings pitched (196.1) and T-18th in games started (12).

Billingsley, an Ohio native, was the 25th overall draft pick by the Dodgers in the 2003 draft. He was signed by the Dodgers on June 9, 2003 and made his Major League debut three years later.

Billingsley has spent all eight years of his career in a Dodger uniform and has proven to be a great investment, minus his 2013 and 2014 seasons. He has never posted a win-loss percentage below .500 and holds a career record of 81-61 record.

However, his time with the Dodgers may come to a close following the 2014 season as the Dodgers hold a $14 million team option for the 2015 season.

Dodgers Nation would like to wish Billingsley a Happy Birthday.
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