The participation of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia in the approaching championship series remains unclear, following what the squad has described as “a deeply intimate issue” affecting the Vesia family.
Here is the organization’s statement from Thursday in its entirety:
“It is with sorrow that we announce Alex Vesia’s absence from the team due to a profoundly personal family matter concerning him and his wife, Kayla. The entire Dodgers community extends its heartfelt support to the Vesia family, and we will share updates as they become available.”
Given the evident seriousness of the circumstances, the significance of Vesia’s presence in the series against the Toronto Blue Jays, commencing on Friday, is of lesser importance. Nonetheless, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed the press on Thursday that the team is proceeding with “a day-by-day approach, without setting specific expectations” regarding Vesia’s involvement in the championship series.
This year, the 29-year-old left-handed pitcher played in 68 games for the Dodgers during the regular season, achieving an earned run average of 3.02, recording 80 strikeouts, and issuing 19 walks not intended to be intentional, across 59 and two-thirds innings pitched. Throughout the team’s ongoing playoff journey, Vesia has maintained an ERA of 3.86 over 4 and two-thirds innings. Within that period, he has conceded a run in only one of his seven appearances. Vesia has consistently contributed to the Dodger bullpen since being acquired from the Miami Marlins through a trade in February 2021.
The opening game of the championship series is arranged for Friday in Toronto, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
