Dodgers RHP Belisario unable to get visa
March 12, 2010
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP)—The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking into contingencyplans for their opening-day bullpen while Ronald Belisario(notes) tries to report tocamp.
Belisario has been unable to secure a visa for the 2010 season and remainsin his native Venezuela. The right-hander went 4-3 with a 2.04 ERA in 69 gamesas a rookie last year, helping Los Angeles win the NL West.
Paul Kinzer, Belisario’s agent, said Thursday that he didn’t have an updateon his client’s status.
“I’m waiting to hear from him today,” Kinzer said. “He’s supposed to beat the consulate now.”
Belisario had the same issue last year and missed two weeks of camp beforebeing a surprise late addition to the major league roster.
The Dodgers are not frustrated enough to consider releasing thehard-throwing reliever, but anger is clearly growing.
“You would think that the opportunity to make a living throwing a baseball,to pitch in the big leagues and support your family and build a career, youwould pursue it to the fullest,” general manager Ned Colletti said. “Whetherhe has or he hasn’t, I don’t know.”
Former NL Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne(notes), in camp on a minor league deal,is one of the relievers that could benefit from Belisario’s absence.
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