Relief Pitcher Ronald Belisario Arrives In White Sox Camp
By Bruce Levine
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- Relief specialist Ronald Belisario reported to camp on Saturday, after missing the first three weeks of spring training due to visa issues.
Belisario sited political turmoil in his native Venezuela as the main reason for being detained.
"They had my paperwork for a long time," said Belisario.
The 31-year-old veteran is an important cog in the Sox bullpen plans for 2014. He has been a work horse during his career with the Dodgers, averaging close to 70 appearances a season for the last four years. Belisario will be a part of a bullpen mix that sets up closer Nate Jones.
Belisario threw a 20 pitch bullpen for pitching coach Don Cooper on Saturday morning.
"He said he had been throwing down there (Venezuela) and you can tell he really had," said Cooper. "He came out here and had a nice sideline. The ball out of his hand had life,sink and movement. I am excited, happy and saying, okay we now have another one of our guys here. Not only one of our guys, one of the guys we are counting on."
Cooper said Belisario will have a day off on Monday and throw a bullpen on Tuesday.
"After a couple of days off we will run him in a game," said the White Sox pitching coach