Dodgers Pitcher Delayed to Spring Training Because of Visa Issues

There's no timetable for his return.

When Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the club on Wednesday, there was one person missing.

Non-roster invitee Dinelson Lamet, who is from the Dominican Republic, has not arrived in Glendale yet due to visa issues.

Dinelson Lamet, a non-roster invite, isn’t in Dodgers camp yet as he deals with visa issues, Dave Roberts said. Otherwise, everyone is in camp right now.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 13, 2024

Visa issues aren't uncommon and tend to be resolved quickly. The last notable Dodger to have any issues was Hanser Alberto in 2022 and things worked out well for him.

Pitchers and catchers reported to camp last week which was slightly earlier than other teams because the Dodgers open their season earlier than others. 

Lamet signed a minor-league deal with the club last month and unfortunately, a late start to Spring Training with his new team isn't going to help him win a job as a non-roster invitee. 

The 31-year-old struggled last season with the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox allowing 38 runs on 42 hits in 27.2 innings. He also missed four weeks with lower back stiffness.

He has struggled to recapture his breakout 2020 season with the San Diego Padres when he had a 2.09 ERA in 12 starts. He finished third in the National League in ERA, fourth in strikeouts (93, in only 69 innings), and fourth in Cy Young Award voting.