Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Ronald Belisario is facing a 25-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday, citing a person familiar with the situation.
The Times' report did not indicate how Belisario was in violation of the policy, but noted that 25-game suspensions are handed out only for a player testing positive for a stimulant; a player convicted of or pleading guilty of possession of a prohibited substance; or a player involved or suspected of being involved with a drug of abuse who failed to comply with an order to take part in a treatment program.
Belisaro received treatment in a substance-abuse program for a month during the 2010 season. Prior to that season, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge after being charged with driving under the influence in Pasadena, Calif.
Belisario did not pitch last season because of visa problems as he tried to return to the U.S. from Venezuela.