The Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday activated Ronald Belisario from the restricted list, after the right-handed relief pitchers completed his 25-game suspension for violating the MLB joint drug agreement.
Belisario last pitched for the Dodgers on October 1, 2010, and missed all of 2011 as he was unable to secure a work visa from his native Venezuela. Belisario in February admitted to one-time cocaine use, which was presumably the reason for his visa issues last season and for his 25-game suspension this season.
In 2009, Belisario made his major league debut at age 26 and proved a valuable piece in the Dodgers bullpen with a 2.04 ERA in 69 appearances, and 64 strikeouts in 71 innings. He showed up to spring training five weeks late in 2010, and struggled with a 5.04 ERA and saw his strikeouts plummet to 38 in 55 innings.
To make room for Belisario on the active roster, the Dodgers designated Mike MacDougal for assignment. MacDougal, 35, had a 7.94 ERA in seven appearances. The Dodgers are on the hook for his $1 million guarantee, which includes a $650,000 salary for 2012 and a $350,000 option buyout in 2013.
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