GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley pitched 4 2/3 innings in a minor league game Saturday and said afterward that he is confident he will be ready when the season begins.
Billingsley bruised the index finger on his right hand during a bunting drill on March 15. He was scratched from a start earlier in the week.
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Billingsley might start the second game of the season on April 2 against the Giants.
Billingsley said he wants to work on his curveball, which means putting more pressure on the tip of his injured finger. He plans to throw curves in a bullpen session Monday.
Billingsley struck out seven in his outing against Indians minor leaguers. He didn't throw any curves but said he still expects to be OK to start the season.
"As long as there are no setbacks, I plan to be there," he said.
