Alex Vesia, a crucial relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is currently addressing a personal matter that has put his participation in the upcoming World Series in jeopardy. On Thursday, the Dodgers confirmed that Vesia is away from the team as he and his wife, Kayla, deal with a sensitive family issue.
Dodgers Management Addresses Vesia’s Situation
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation but did not disclose specific details. He noted that the team is working to fill Vesia’s position on the roster before their match against the Toronto Blue Jays.
World Series Roster Deadline
- World Series rosters must be submitted by 10 a.m. ET the day of Game 1.
- Major League Baseball offers a family medical emergency list allowing for 3 to 7 days off the roster.
If Vesia is placed on this list, he could potentially return for Game 3 at Dodger Stadium. This option provides a glimmer of hope for the Dodgers as they strategize for their playoff games.
Vesia’s Performance and Impact
This season, Vesia stood out as one of the few reliable arms in a struggling bullpen, boasting a 3.02 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He achieved 80 strikeouts while walking only 22 in 59⅔ innings. Throughout the playoff series, he has been a key late-game option for Roberts, alongside Blake Treinen and Roki Sasaki.
Potential Replacements in the Bullpen
Vesia’s absence could open opportunities for other pitchers:
- Tanner Scott: The veteran left-hander has been working back from a lower body injury and feels improved.
- Anthony Banda: Another lefty, he has emerged as a capable late-game option.
Notably, the Blue Jays’ lineup features several strong right-handed hitters, emphasizing the importance of Vesia’s replacement to the Dodgers’ strategy.
World Series Pitching Plans
Roberts confirmed that Clayton Kershaw will be part of the World Series roster. He indicated that Tyler Glasnow is likely to pitch in Game 3, while Shohei Ohtani is expected to start in Game 4. Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are slated for Games 1 and 2, respectively.
While the team prepares for the upcoming games, Roberts emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Vesia’s situation. “We are just going day-to-day with really no expectations,” he said, reflecting the team’s cautious approach as they navigate this personal and professional challenge.
