Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley received an injection of platelet-rich plasma in his right elbow Thursday, a therapy that could be Billingsley’s last hope of pitching again in 2012.
Platelet-rich plasma — or PRP — is an emerging treatment to help in the healing of tendons or ligaments without resorting to surgery. The Dodgers haven’t ruled out the possibility that Billingsley will require Tommy John surgery, a procedure that would cost him most of the 2013 season as well.
Kasten spoke at a fan discussion presented by the Los Angeles Times and moderated by columnist Bill Dwyre.
In an interview later, Kasten said his comments were made out of concern and “not based on medical evidence.” He said the Dodgers’ search for pitching was not necessarily motivated by Billingsley’s injury.
The Dodgers currently stand second in the NL West, 4½ games behind the Giants; they are also 1½ games behind the Cardinals for the NL’s second wild card spot.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have sent pitcher Chad Billingsley to the disabled list with pain in his right elbow. Billingsley left during the fourth inning of Friday's game against the Miami Marlins with his team up 6-3 (the Dodgers would win 11-4).
An MRI on the elbow last night showed inflammation. Last night, Billingsley said:
"It's one thing about pitching. Every time you step out on the mound you never know what could happen. ...From what the doc told me it's just inflammation, and that's a relief for me ... I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning, get some treatment, and see where we're at."
