Dodgers’ Chad Billingsley has surgery; Shawn Tolleson will, too

NEW YORK -- Chad Billingsley’s reconstructive elbow surgery on Wednesday evening went as expected, the Dodgers announced.

Billingsley won’t be the only Dodger spending the coming months recovering from an operation, as reliever Shawn Tolleson is scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday to repair a herniated disc in his lower back.

Tolleson was called up from triple-A Albuquerque on April 12. He pitched that day in Arizona in relief of longtime friend Clayton Kershaw and walked in two runs. He hasn’t pitched since.

Tolleson’s surgery will be performed by Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles. The 25-year-old right-hander is expected to be sidelined three to five months.

While on the disabled list, Tolleson will continue to accrue major league service time.

Billingsley underwent a 90-minute procedure performed by team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Billingsley is expected to start physical therapy in seven to 10 days. He is projected to be sidelined for the next 12 months.