Chad Billingsley was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Wednesday, ending his season.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly hinted yesterday that the right-hander could be shut down, so perhaps the best news of the day is that the “slight tearing” in the ulnar collateral ligament of Billingsley’s right elbow might not need surgery.

“There’s a chance, but from the time I had my first PRP [injection] it feels pretty good,” Billingsley said.

Billingsley had a second PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection Wednesday. If his recovery goes as well as anticipated, he can begin a throwing program in two weeks.

The Dodgers recalled Steven Rodriguez from Double-A Chattanooga. The 2012 second-round draft pick was 1-0 with five saves and a 0.92 ERA (2 ER/19.2 IP) in 21 combined relief appearances with Single-A Great Lakes and Double-A Chattanooga.

Billingsley doesn’t believe that the injury is related to the elbow injury that landed him on the 15-day disabled list in July. “The first time was a flexor muscle, a forearm,” he said.

Tears in the ulnar collateral ligament frequently result in Tommy John surgery. Billingsley acknowledged that possibility –”yeah, it makes you cringe a little bit”– but is remaining optimistic for the moment. He will continue to rest the arm as much as possible, but even now the pain does not interfere with day-to-day activities.

“I can’t be going too crazy with the high-fives,” he joked. “Maybe gotta go with the left hand.”

Billingsley said he will continue to travel with the team for the rest of the season.