TEMPE, Ariz. >> Angels infield prospect Roberto Baldoquin is turning heads here now, but it took a while. The Cuban defector spent most of spring training holed up in politically turbulent Haiti, awaiting the U.S. work visa that would allow him to participate in camp.

Baldoquin and the Angels agreed to terms on his contract last November. What took him so long?

In short, everything.

That’s why, as the Dodgers await the arrival of infielder Hector Olivera – another Cuban defector with legal residence in Haiti – they shouldn’t reasonably expect a similar four- or five-month wait.

Multiple reports from the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince chronicled a string of political uprisings in January and February. Municipal employees from various public sectors staged strikes. Street protests swelled enough to cause a brief government shutdown.

“Things move at a pretty slow pace in Haiti to begin with,” said a source with knowledge of Baldoquin’s situation, “and that was complicated by the fact that he was in the Dominican Republic and had to travel across international lines anytime there was an appointment.”

Baldoquin’s delay hinged on more than just the stability of the Haitian government. A snowstorm in the Washington D.C. area shut down the federal government for a day in February. Processing documents around holidays caused other delays.

The 21-year-old infielder spent his last eight days inside a hotel in Port-au-Prince before departing for Phoenix (via Miami) on March 12.

Weaver’s challenge

Jered Weaver has allowed just three runs in 16 Cactus League innings. He starts Thursday for the Angels and is lined up to pitch on Opening Day. His staunchest enemy in camp might just be the Arizona heat.

“I’ve kind of lost a little weight now that spring’s been going on,” Weaver said. “It’s pretty tough to stay hydrated out here no matter how much water you’re drinking. It is what it is — something I’ve had to battle my whole career.”

The 6-foot-7 right-hander changed his weightlifting and dietary habits in the middle of last season, allowing him to add roughly 20 pounds of muscle – up to a still-slender 215-to-220.

Weaver attributed his strong second half of last season to those changes.

“Spring training is the hardest time because it’s so hot out here,” he said. “I think I’d be comfortable staying between 215 and 220.”

League to get MRI

Dodgers pitcher Brandon League will undergo an MRI exam on his right shoulder, two days after he last threw off a mound. He’s made just two appearances this spring, none since March 9, and is all but certain to begin the season on the disabled list.

The injury could open the bullpen gate for non-roster candidates Sergio Santos, David Aardsma and Mike Adams. Right-hander Yimi Garcia and lefty Adam Liberatore, who haven’t allowed a run in their 13 combined appearances, could also seize the opportunity created by League’s absence.

League’s experience as a closer made him a candidate to fill in for Kenley Jansen in April, at least occasionally. Jansen is expected to miss up to the first month of the regular season. Aardsma’s 69 career saves are now the most of any healthy pitcher in camp.

Also

Hector Santiago threw 80 pitches over six innings in a “B” game for the Angels against the Indians at Tempe Diablo Stadium. He struck out nine batters, walked one and allowed only two hits; one was a home run by prospect Francisco Lindor. “Hector had some of the best stuff we’ve seen,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. … Nick Tropeano, who is competing with Santiago for the vacant fifth starter’s job, was equally strong in the major-league game against the Indians. The rookie right-hander allowed two hits and one earned run in four innings. … Though it wasn’t much of a contest, Scioscia named Drew Butera the backup catcher to Chris Iannetta. He has not named a fifth starter.