Dodgers decline Billingsley's $14-million option for 2015

As expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers declined Chad Billingsley's $14-million contract option Friday, electing instead to buy out the injury-plagued right-hander for $3 million, according to MLB.com's Ken Gurnick.

Once a fixture in the Dodgers' rotation, Billingsley's career was derailed by persistent elbow problems, as the 30-year-old has not pitched in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2013. Billingsley has encountered numerous setbacks throughout his recovery, most recently undergoing surgery in June to repair a partially-torn flexor tendon.

Selected 24th overall in the 2003 draft, Billingsley owns a career 3.65 ERA (110 ERA+) and 1.36 WHIP over parts of eight seasons with the Dodgers.