Dodgers Place Chad Billingsley on DL; Call Up Stephen Fife

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed right-hander Chad Billingsley on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation, reports Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times:

Chad Billingsley to the DL; Stephen Fife called up.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) July 17, 2012

To replace Billingsley on their roster, the Dodgers called up right-hander Stephen Fife.

Billingsley is expected to return from the DL when eligible, Monday, July 23, as his stint is retroactive to July 8. The 27-year-old has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.30 and 1.404 with 8.6 SO/9 and 2.9 BB/9 over his 18 starts spanning 104 2/3 innings this season.

Fife was called upon to make Tuesday’s start against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 25-year-old did well in what was his major league debut, holding the Phillies to one run on four hits and three walks with one strikeout over his six innings of work.

Prior to getting the call, Fife had spent the season with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate, posting an ERA and WHIP of 4.53 and 1.541 over his 18 starts.

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Will the Dodgers make a trade before Billingsley returns from the DL?

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