Dodgers reliever Ronald Belisario, who was placed on the restricted list on July 7 for what the team termed "personal reasons," is one step closer to returning to the team. Per the club's official Twitter feed:
Belisario has resumed workouts at Dodger Stadium. He remains on the restricted list and no timetable has been set for his return.
The 27-year old Belisario was 1-1 with a 3.79 ERA this season for the Dodgers, after a 2.04 ERA last year in his rookie season. Belisario began this season on the restricted list as well, although that was for showing up to spring training 38 days late after dealing with visa issues in his native Venezuela stemming from an arrest last season for driving under the influence.
Earlier this month, Dylan Hernandez and Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times cited a source saying Belisario was undergoing treatment for substance abuse. However, today Hernandez reported that Belisario's agent, Paul Kinzer, had no comment:
When asked to confirm or deny a report in The Times that Belisario was in a substance-abuse program, Kinzer said, "I don't have any comment at all. Ronald's had some personal issues he's dealing with."
Baseball players may be placed on the restricted list for up to 30 days, so the Dodgers have to decide what to do with Belisario, who is out of minor league options, by August 6.