Chad Billingsley (finger) is lined up to start the second game of the season on April 2 against the Giants.

Zack Greinke was originally expected to make that start, but the Dodgers are now hoping that he'll be able to go on April 5 vs. the Pirates. Hyun-Jin Ryu will be on the same schedule as Billingsley for the rest of the spring, giving the Dodgers an alternative for the second game of the season. Billingsley recently suffered a bruised finger in a bunting drill, but he's expected to make his next start Saturday.

Chad Billingsley (finger) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday.

Billingsley's won't make his scheduled start Tuesday due to a bruised right finger suffered in a bunting drill on Friday, but it's not a big deal. Assuming all goes well Wednesday, he should make his next start on Saturday. The 28-year-old right-hander hasn't had any issues with his elbow this spring and remains on track for the start of the regular season.

Chad Billingsley bruised his right index finger during a bunting drill on Friday in Dodgers camp.

It's not a serious injury, but Billingsley's scheduled Tuesday start may have to be pushed back. The 28-year-old righty has experienced no elbow issues this spring and seems likely to be ready for the beginning of the season.

Chad Billingsley threw to minor league hitters Wednesday in a five-inning simulated game.

"My arm felt great today," said Billingsley. "Everything felt good. I had good command of all my pitches." Billingsley didn't have any issues with his recent groin tightness, but the most important thing is that his elbow is doing well. While the 28-year-old right-hander entered spring training as a major wild card, he appears on track for the start of the season.

Chad Billingsley is dealing with some minor groin tightness but is expected to start Wednesday.

Billingsley has struggled so far this spring, but there's been no indication that his right elbow is bothering him, which is the most important thing. He's fully expected to start the year on time.

Chad Billingsley allowed two runs -- one earned -- over 3 1/3 innings in Thursday's tie versus the Rangers.

He surrendered two hits and two walks while also hitting a batter and striking out three. Billingsley now has a 7.64 ERA and 1.96 WHIP over his first three spring appearances, but there's been no indication that his right elbow is bothering him, which is the most important thing.

Chad Billingsley surrendered five hits and two earned runs over two innings Monday against the Cubs.

It's usually foolish to read too much into early-spring performances, but Billingsley is a unique case because he is still recovering from a partially torn UCL in his right elbow. He'll need to do better to prove to the Dodgers that he is physically prepared for the regular season.

Chad Billingsley said Tuesday that he feels "normal" and is "not worried" about his right elbow.

Billingsley chose platelet-rich plasma injections and rehab over Tommy John surgery for a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament. He threw many times over the winter, including a simulated game in November when he was clocked at 94 mph. "I feel normal," said Billingsley. "There wasn't a time in the offseason when I felt like I didn't know if it would hold up. I know some people think it's an issue, but I don't. I came to spring training not worried about it." While things are encouraging at the moment, Billingsley isn't guaranteed a spot in the rotation even if his elbow holds up, as Chris Capuano, Aaron Harang and Ted Lilly are also options for the No. 5 spot.

Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt indicated Tuesday that he's not sure how Chad Billingsley's elbow will hold up during spring training.

"He has to be smart and be open if he feels something so he doesn't push it past the point," said Honeycutt. "There's a fine line between being really hurt or having something you can deal with. Chad tends to pitch through whatever is going on, and he's not always open about what's going on. He needs to be honest with himself." Billingsley was shut down late last season with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow, but he has responded well after receiving platelet-rich plasma injections. If he's healthy, there likely won't be room for Chris Capuano, Aaron Harang or Ted Lilly in the starting rotation, but a lot can change between now and Opening Day.

Chad Billingsley said Friday that he's thrown eight bullpen sessions so far this offseason and not had any issues with his pitching elbow.

That's encouraging. Billingsley was shut down late last season with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, but he was given platelet-rich plasma injections and has had a relatively normal offseason. There's always the possibility that his ligament will snap, but for now it appears he has a good shot at being ready for the start of the season.

Chad Billingsley (elbow) threw 35-40 pitches over two innings Monday in a simulated game.

Chad Billingsley (elbow) is scheduled to throw a simulated game next week.

It's the first step towards determining if Billingsley needs Tommy John surgery. He received two platelet-rich plasma injections in his elbow earlier this month. If Billingsley is unable to avoid the procedure, he'll miss the entire 2013 season.

Chad Billingsley (elbow) is scheduled to intensify his throwing program Friday.

Billingsley hasn't pitched since August 24 due to a partially torn ligament in his right elbow. He was given platelet-rich plasma injections last month and recently began some light throwing, but the real test will be how he responds to increased activity. Dodgers trainer Sue Falsone said a decision about Tommy John surgery likely won't be made until November. If he has the surgery, he will miss the entire 2013 season.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said that Chad Billingsley (elbow) will soon ramp up his throwing program.

Billingsley received two platelet-rich plasma injections in his elbow earlier this month in an effort to avoid Tommy John surgery. He has played light-toss catch for the past week without any issues, but the real test will be hold his elbow responds to pitching.

Chad Billingsley (elbow) has been playing catch on back-to-back days and said he's on track to throw off a mound in "a couple weeks."

Billingsley is up to 35 flat-ground throws. There's always the possibility that he'll have a setback, but, at least at the moment, it appears that Billingsley has a good chance to avoid Tommy John surgery. He will not return to the Dodgers this season.

Chad Billingsley (elbow) will begin a throwing program Friday.

Based on how the program goes, Billingsley will decide whether to continue the rehab or undergo Tommy John surgery. He's already been ruled out for this season, and if he needs surgery, he could miss all of 2013.

Chad Billingsley acknowledged Wednesday that he might need Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery.

Billingsley will first try a second round of platelet-rich plasma therapy for the discomfort in his right elbow, but if that doesn't work he will probably have to go under the knife. It's a tough blow and especially bad timing, as Tommy John surgery would knock the 28-year-old right-hander out for the entire 2013 campaign.

Chad Billingsley (elbow) has yet to throw since being placed on the disabled list.

Billingsley was given a platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection in his ailing right elbow last Thursday and may get another one. If he returns at all this season, it will likely be as a reliever. He can be dropped in mixed fantasy leagues.

Chad Billingsley was scheduled to receive an injection of platelet-rich plasma in his ailing right elbow Thursday.

The Dodgers hope the injection will help promote healing in Billingsley's elbow. "(It's) the next step of trying to see if he's going to be able to pitch again this year, and then we go from there," manager Don Mattingly said. If the injection doesn't help, it's possible Billingsley's season could be over.

The Dodgers are concerned that Chad Billingsley (elbow) might not return this season.

Billingsley was placed on the disabled list Saturday, and is scheduled for a second MRI later this week to determine the extent of the injury. Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten said that he "fears" Billingsley could be shut down for the year. The Dodgers will look to acquire starting pitching before Friday night's deadline to add players for the postseason.