GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking into contingency plans for their opening-day bullpen while Ronald Belisario tries to report to camp.
Belisario has been unable to secure a visa for the 2010 season and remains in his native Venezuela. The right-hander went 4-3 with a 2.04 ERA in 69 games as a rookie last year, helping Los Angeles win the NL West.
Paul Kinzer, Belisario's agent, said Thursday that he didn't have an update on his client's status.
``I'm waiting to hear from him today,'' Kinzer said. ``He's supposed to be at the consulate now.''
Belisario had the same issue last year and missed two weeks of camp before being a surprise late addition to the major league roster.
The Dodgers are not frustrated enough to consider releasing the hard-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, you would pursue it to the fullest,'' general manager Ned Colletti said. ``Whether he has or he hasn't, I don't know.''
Former NL Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne, in camp on a minor league deal, is one of the relievers that could benefit from Belisario's absence.
