Southpaw reliever Alex Vesia didn't pitch in the World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, but it wasn't due to injury. Rather, he and his wife Kayla lost their newborn daughter, Sterling Sol, in October.
Both Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays relievers wore No. 51 on their caps during the World Series to show support, as that's Vesia's jersey number. The veteran is now back with the Dodgers at spring training, and he opened up about the situation after the Dodgers' 3-0 win over the Seattle Mariners on Monday, via SportsNet LA's Kirsten Watson.
“It’s been hard, actually. Hard in a good way," Vesia said. "Because I want to interact with the fans and all that, but I know I have a job to do. Even on the backfields the first day, we walk out the doors and [there are] cheers and lots of love. It means a lot to myself, and Kay, too.”
Vesia made his 2026 debut that day, tossing a scoreless fifth inning with a strikeout. The 29-year-old also opened up postgame about his bond with his teammates.
"Being around the guys, it's been really comforting," he admitted. "We've had multiple conversations, and guys are asking me questions and just feeling for me. That's honestly been a blessing, I do like talking about it with the guys and whatnot. I don't want them to feel like they can't, because to share those important moments...The guys are my brothers and I truly do love all of them."
Alex Vesia Could Help Dodgers Three-Peat
Jayne Kamin-Oncea
Vesia's situation shows the power of community, as the support from his fans and teammates has made him feel blessed after a family tragedy. Now, the 6-foot-1, 209-pounder is ready to help Los Angeles try to win its third straight title.
Vesia is one of baseball's best relievers, as he has a career 2.92 ERA in 300 appearances. The former Miami Marlin also has a 1.86 ERA in 26 playoff outings, 14 of which came over the last two seasons. The Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series and the Blue Jays in last year's championship.
Vesia was reliable as usual last season, as he notched a 3.02 ERA over 68 regular-season games before posting a 3.86 ERA in seven postseason outings. He's now in a contract season after Los Angeles exercised his $3.5 million club option for 2026 back in November.
Up next for the Dodgers is a spring training matchup with the Cleveland Guardians at 3:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday.