Chad Billingsley MRI reveals partially torn flexor tendon

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley suffered another setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. An MRI revealed that Billingsley has no damage in his surgically repaired ulnar collateral ligament, but that he has a partially torn right flexor tendon in his right elbow.

Billingsley will meet with team physician Dr. Neal ElAttache during this weekend series to discuss his options, but wasn't available to speak to media on Friday.

"I just know they had to shut his rehab down and that the MRI wasn't great," manager Don Mattingly said. "From there I think we need to let Bills and doc figure out where they're going to go next."

The right-hander, who began a minor league rehab assignment on Sunday with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga and reported discomfort during a bullpen session on Tuesday in Cincinnati.

The prognosis for Billingsley doesn't look good, using a pair of comparable pitchers. Colby Lewis, in July 2012, and Sean Burnett, in August 2013, both had surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon and missed the rest of the season and the start of next season.

Lewis began 2013 on the 60-day disabled list and was nearly ready by the All-Star break but had his season shut down by hip injuries. Burnett pitched again for the Angels by late May 2014, but after just three games tore his UCL and is out for the season.

Billingsley last pitched for the Dodgers on April 15, 2013. If surgery is required, this could very well end the Dodger career of Billingsley, who was drafted by the organization in 2003. He is making $12 million in the final season of a three-year deal signed before the 2012 season. There is also a $14 million club option for 2015 that seem a mortal lock to get declined, which would pay Billingsley a $3 million buyout.