Chad Billingsley says scar tissue the reason for elbow sensation

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley will take a few days off after feeling a sensation in his right elbow in a rehab start on Sunday. Billingsley on Tuesday chalked up the sensation to scar tissue built up after his Tommy John surgery.

Billingsley left after 18 pitches and 1⅓ innings of a scheduled two-inning start on Sunday after feeling a pop in his elbow. But preliminary tests, both by a Dodgers trainer in Rancho Cucamonga and by Dr. Neal ElAttrache at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, were encouraging in that it was nothing major. Billingsley compared the sensation to someone cracking their back or neck.

"My elbow felt great. I didn't hurt after it, didn't feel like the pain I had in previous years. It was just more startling," Billingsley said. "The arm feels good, no second-day soreness, so that's good."

Billingsley has not had an MRI exam, but has been met with Dr. ElAttrache on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The doctor will have to give the go-ahead for Billingsley to resume his throwing program.

"It's up to whenever [Dr. ElAttrache] gives me the okay," BIllingsley said. "I don't think it's going to be too long of a setback."

Billingsley was originally planned to make four more rehab starts, two with Triple-A Albuquerque and two with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. That schedule is now on hold, but Billingsley is anxious to return to the mound.

"I had the adrenalin going, I was excited to be out there competing, and not pitching against guys in the same uniform. In the bullpen I was nervous and a little excited. That first pitch, it felt good," Billingsley said. It's good to be back, well almost back.

"I'm ready to get back there for another game."