Dodgers frustrated with Belisario's absence

Mar 12, 2010 - 1:52 AM 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.