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Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley is in line to return to the team's starting rotation on Apr. 10 against the San Diego Padres, according to Eric Stephen of SB Nation.
Prior to rejoining the Dodgers, Billingsley will make a rehab assignment start for Los Angeles' Single-A affiliate on Thursday night. The right-hander began the regular season on the disabled list due to a contusion on his right index finger.
When the injury initially occured, there was some thought that Billingsley would have to lose his fingernail. This didn't happen, but the contusion prevented him from throwing his curve ball for more than a week.
Stephen notes that the Dodgers don't technically need a fifth starter until Apr. 13 due to off days. At this point, Billingsley is only slated for one appearance in the minors before rejoining Los Angeles' starting rotation. Using him on Apr. 10 will give the rest of the rotation an extra day of rest, according to Stephen.
Billingsley started 25 games for the Dodgers last season, posting an ERA of 3.55 over 149 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old owns a career ERA of 3.66 over seven seasons in the majors.
