Billingsley officially shut down for rest of season

The Dodgers have annouced that pitcher Chad Billingsley has been officially shut down for the season after an MRI revealed a torn ligament in his right elbow. If Billingsley chooses to undergo Tommy John surgery, he will most likely be lost for the entire 2013 season as well.

Billingsley has had a nice season, posting a 3.55 ERA in 25 starts while striking out 128 hitters.

Analysis: Tough break for the Dodgers and Billingsley. It's a shame because now the Dodgers really don't have that much pitching depth, considering that prospects Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster are now in Boston's organization. This could now allow the Giants to creep up in the division and possibly take over the divisional lead. As for Billingsley, you hate when these things happen. Billingsley is one of the most underrated pitchers in the game, and if he chooses to get Tommy John surgery, he'll probably be lost for the 2013 season and will be a free agent after the 2014 season.