Los Angeles — As the Dodgers prepare to enter the biggest season of the year, the atmosphere in the locker room is usually filled with excitement and determination. But yesterday afternoon, instead of left-handed pitcher Vesia stepping onto the mound, where he has pitched seven of 11 postseason games and is a key cog in the bullpen, an announcement from the team left many holding their breath.
“While this is a difficult time for us, Alex needs to spend time with his wife and family,” the Dodgers said in a statement. “The thoughts and prayers of the entire organization are with the Vesia family, and we will provide further information when we are able.”
That means: Vesia will miss at least the first two games of the 2025 World Series, and the Dodgers will have to immediately adjust their bullpen plan. “We are exploring alternatives,” said head coach Dave Roberts. “This is a time when humanity trumps strategy.”
The news of Vesia spread like wildfire. On social media, fans weren’t talking about ERAs, strikeouts, or strategy—they were talking about family, about the moment when people prioritized other things beyond their careers. Tweets like: “Baseball is a game. Family is life.”
One fan commented:
“Nobody said they needed to explain. What matters is that Alex and Kayla know they’re together right now.”
It was this moment that made MLB pause to remember that players are people too — with responsibilities, worries, and rare moments of family priority.
Vesia’s departure from the roster is more than just a professional loss: he’s a trusted cog in the Dodgers’ postseason strategy, especially as they prepare to face the ambitious and well-rounded Blue Jays. The likes of Tanner Scott and other replacements are being considered on an emergency basis.
But what’s more telling is the response from the entire baseball community: rival fans, fans of other teams, even Blue Jays fans in Canada sent their best wishes to Vesia and her family. One fan, Cong Dong, wrote: “It doesn’t matter which team you love — we’re all on the same team in life.”
Tonight, when the Dodgers take the field with the lights on and history on their shoulders, they will be missing a key member. But Alex Vesia will be there in their hearts — with his wife, with his family, with a moment that will be more important than any glove or stadium light.
And while everyone waits for the scoreboard to read, surely all of America, all of baseball, is waiting for the good news: that Kayla will be healthy. Because in the end, sometimes the greatest thing for a player isn’t winning — it’s being there for the people you love most when they need you.
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