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Tolleson to have back operation
The Los Angeles Dodgers' beleaguered pitching staff took another big hit Thursday as righty reliever Shawn Tolleson is scheduled to go under the knife to repair a herniated disc in his lower back, reports Bill Plunkett of the OC Register.
The right-hander went to the 15-day DL with a lower back strain 10 days ago, but now will be out much longer than originally expected. The recovery time from the herniated disc is anywhere between three and five months, meaning Tolleson won't be back until late July at the earliest.
Tolleson will likely move to the 60-day DL, which will open a 40-man roster spot for the Dodgers if they want it.
Billingsley's surgery a success
Not to be left out of all the surgery fun, fellow Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley underwent his Tommy John operation in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The procedure lasted 90 minutes and everything went as expected, reports Eric Stephen of True Blue LA.
Billingsley will begin physical therapy on his now surgically repaired elbow in seven to 10 days, and is expected to make a full recovery in 12 months. Mark your calendars, folks.
Ramirez starting rehab games next week
Dodgers third baseman/shortstop Hanley Ramirez is hoping to embark on a three-game, minor-league rehab stint sometime next week, reports Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times.
A minor-league assignment starting any time in the next few weeks is pretty incredible for Han-Ram, who was originally slated to return to the Dodgers in late May. If his rehab stint goes well next week, he could be back to help out in Hollywood before Cinco de Mayo.
