The Dodgers expect Chad Billingsley and Ted Lilly to be ready for spring training, a team official said Tuesday, which could make the team an active participant in the trade market.
As the price of starting pitching soars -- Dan Haren agreed to a one-year, $13-million contract Tuesday to be the fourth starter for the Washington Nationals -- the Dodgers could dangle Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang as affordable alternatives.
Capuano is signed for $6 million next season and Harang for $7 million. The contract for each player includes a mutual option, so a team could acquire either one with no obligation beyond next season.
Billingsley sat out the final month of last season because of a partially torn ligament in his right elbow. He opted to try a rehabilitation program instead of committing to Tommy John surgery, and he is throwing without discomfort and at 94 mph. Billingsley is on a regular throwing program.