Chad Billingsley MRI Shows Inflammation In Right Elbow

The Dodgers got some relatively good news after Friday's 11-4 win over the Marlins, as an MRI on Chad Billingsley's right elbow revealed only right elbow inflammation and nothing worse.

"It's one thing about pitching. Every time you step out on the mound you never know what could happen," Billingsley said after the game. "From what the doc told me it's just inflammation, and that's a relief for me."

He exited the game in the fourth inning, two pitches after giving up a double to Rob Brantly. Billingsley said he wasn't comfortable while throwing and he was removed as a precaution.

Billingsley was 6-0 with a 1.30 ERA in six starts entering Friday since spending 15 days on the disabled list in July with elbow inflammation. He said his elbow felt similar to what it felt like in July, when he was placed on the DL, but that Saturday morning would be a better determinant for his immediate pitching future.

"It's hard to tell when it just happened. I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning, get some treatment, and see where we're at.," Billingsley said.

11-4 Good Buddy

Andre Ethier had his first four-hit game of the season, and had two of those hits off former teammate Nathan Eovaldi, including a three-run home run in the first inning. It was bittersweet facing Eovaldi.

"He's a good buddy. I got to know him pretty well the last two years. It was tough to see him leave," Ethier said. "At the same time it was fun to face a guy you've become close with, but it's all business on the field and hopefully there are no hard feelings moving forward."

Ethier is now 6-for-8 in two games with a rather large blister on his right hand, which after popping has created what looks like a quarter-sized hole in his hand. It has caused Ethier to choke up on the bat, such that his bottom hand is no longer pressing against the knob as he swings.

It snapped an 0-for-16 string since hitting a home run in Atlanta on August 17.

"I told him that I'd cut a hole in his hand each time he starts struggling," said manager Don Mattingly