The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a major bullpen shakeup just as they prepare to open the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Alex Vesia, one of the team’s most reliable left-handed relievers, is currently away from the club to address what the organization has described as a “deeply personal family matter,” leaving his availability for the Fall Classic in serious doubt.
A Sudden Absence at a Crucial Moment
The Dodgers announced on Thursday that Vesia, along with his wife Kayla, is tending to a private family issue. The team has not disclosed details, emphasizing respect for the family’s privacy during this time. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that the club is still working through how this will impact the World Series roster, but acknowledged that Vesia’s absence is a significant blow to their late-inning plans.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we share that Alex Vesia is away from the team as he and his wife Kayla attend to a deeply personal family matter,” the Dodgers said in an official statement. As of Friday morning, Vesia is expected to miss at least the first two games of the World Series, and his status for the remainder of the series remains unclear.
Vesia’s Impact on the Dodgers’ Bullpen
Vesia has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ bullpen throughout the 2025 season, posting a 2.75 ERA over 59 appearances and serving as a key bridge to the ninth inning. Despite a brief stint on the injured list in August with a right oblique strain, he returned to form and was instrumental in the Dodgers’ postseason run, including a dominant performance in the NLCS.
With the Dodgers’ bullpen already battered by injuries this year, Vesia’s absence comes at the worst possible time. The team has not designated a set closer, and Vesia’s ability to handle high-leverage situations has been crucial, especially as the Dodgers look to protect a slim lead in the NL West and now face the Blue Jays on baseball’s biggest stage.
Personal Joy and Public Support
The timing of Vesia’s absence coincides with a joyful chapter in his personal life. In April 2025, Alex and Kayla Vesia announced they are expecting their first child, sharing the news with fans on social media. The couple, who married in January 2024, have received an outpouring of support from Dodgers fans and the broader baseball community as they navigate both the excitement of impending parenthood and the challenges of a private family matter.
Blue Jays fans even made headlines for a moving gesture of support toward Vesia and his family, further highlighting the sense of community that often emerges in moments of adversity.
What’s Next for the Dodgers?
With Vesia’s status uncertain, manager Dave Roberts may be forced to make last-minute adjustments to the bullpen. Rookies Ben Casparius and Jack Dreyer could see increased roles, while lefty Tanner Scott is expected to handle the bulk of save opportunities. The Dodgers’ ability to adapt will be tested as they seek another World Series title without one of their most trusted arms.
For now, the baseball world waits for updates on both Vesia’s family situation and his potential return to the mound. The Dodgers, their fans, and the broader MLB community have rallied around the Vesias, sending messages of support and understanding as the family navigates this critical moment.
Sources
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6. Dodgers' bullpen melts down as trip ends with loss to Guardians
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15. Dodgers' Alex Vesia Reveals How He Plans to Build Off Strong 2024 Season
