Report: Billingsley has important doctor's appointment on Friday

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Chad Billingsley is slated to see a doctor on Friday who will determine if he's ready to start throwing again, according to the Delaware News Journal.

Billingsley has been on the disabled list with a shoulder strain in his throwing arm, and has been predominantly limited to lower-body exercises in his rehabilitation.

"I've been out a couple years and my body probably has to get used to it, stretching out again and being able to pitch at this level," the 30-year-old righty said. "It sucks that it happened, but at least it wasn't the elbow and just the lat muscle. I'm feeling great now and pretty optimistic I'll start playing catch Friday."

Billingsley is no stranger the disabled list, unfortunately, as his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers was cut short due to repeated elbow issues.

As a byproduct, the veteran pitcher knows all about rehabbing from injuries.

"Typically how long you're out you have to make that up," Billingsley said. "Just play it by ear and see how I feel and get comfortable and feel like I'm ready."

(h/t Delaware New Journal)