Chad Billingsley heading to the disabled list with groin strain

Chad Billingsley is headed to the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin, a move that will result in rookie Carlos Monasterios remaining in the Dodgers' rotation.

Monasterios was expected to be moved to the bullpen on Saturday, when the Dodgers are expected to activate opening day starter Vicente Padilla in Boston. The Dodgers are planning to call up right-handed reliever Travis Schlichting from triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday to replace Billingsley on the active roster.

Billingsley said he was hurt in his last start, a loss to the Angels on Friday in which he was charged with seven runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings.

"In the sixth inning, I threw a pitch, I just felt it grab," he said.

Billingsley underwent an MRI exam on Sunday that revealed no structural damage, but he was unable to throw his regularly scheduled bullpen session Tuesday without significant discomfort.

Billingsley said he has had problems with his groin dating back to 2004.

-- Dylan Hernandez in Cincinnati

Comments

[bob cuomo]

This isn't a good thing for the Dodgers. Sure, Billingsley hasn't exactly been Mr. Consistent and he was roughed up by the Angels, but I'd much rather have him out there than Monasterios (no offense...I like him, but he needs experience) or Padilla, for that matter. Let's face it, this road trip trip could be very tough.

[Rick]

Wasn't it a groin injury that resulted in Billingsley becoming a lousy pitcher in the second half last year?

[robert]

this guy is so over ratedwith all the talent he has he should be blowing the hitters away insted he nibbles nibbles at the corners with all the talent this guy has its so disapointing to see him go out there and see which player shows up maybe they can use him as trade bate when teams start looking to move players and amke a run for the playoffs