Dodgers News: Billingsley Scheduled To Throw Another Simulated Game

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UPDATE:

Following today's sim-game, Don Mattingly expects Chad Billingsley will throw another bullpen before going on a rehab assignment. #Dodgers

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 3, 2014

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Chad Billingsley threw a simulated game Thursday and reported feeling no pain as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery.

Billingsley was once believed to be on track for a potential return in May, but suffered multiple setbacks and was temporarily shut down from throwing. The right-hander received a platelet-rich plasma injection and shortly after was moved to the 60-day disabled list.

With one successful simulated game under his belt, Billingsley is scheduled to throw another Tuesday, which may be followed by a rehab start, reports J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News Group:

If all goes well in his simulated game Tuesday, Billingsley said he will start a minor-league rehabilitation game on Saturday.

Enduring a grueling and frustrating recovery, Billingsley said he’s looking forward to getting back on the mound:

I’m just anxious to get back out there,” he said. “Through this whole process, I’ve had patience. Keep working. It can be very frustrating at times. It’s all part of the process.”

When the starting rotation has been heathy, the Dodgers have managed just fine without Billingsley’s services. Despite the solid rotation, Billingsley recently commented he has intentions of being a starter upon returning.

Billingsley has primarily been used as a starter since the 2008 season. In 2007, Billingsley made 23 appearances out of the bullpen and has served as a reliever only four times since. Billingsley made just two starts last season before being shut down and faces a crucial moment in his career as the Dodgers hold a team option on his contract for the 2015 season.
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