While much of the focus with the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Toronto Blue Jays this week centered around it being a World Series rematch, the three games also were an emotional reminder for Alex Vesia.
He made one appearance during the series, entering in the seventh inning on Tuesday and working out of a bases-loaded jam. Vesia inherited two runners from Yoshinobu Yamamoto and walked the first batter faced to load the bases with nobody out.
Vesia told Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group the series in Toronto was difficult, with the tragedy from last October understandably still fresh in his mind.
“The past two days have been hard,” Vesia said. “It’s nice, though, to have my wife in the stands. She was right behind the dugout tonight. I definitely was looking at her, especially after the outing. But honestly, during it – that was awesome. … The adrenaline, the crowd, I feed off that.”
Vesia’s exclusion from the World Series roster was announced the night before the Dodgers began their matchup against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The team announced Vesia had taken time to be with his wife, Kayla.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman explained the Dodgers took the stance of not placing any sort of pressure on Vesia to return.
“This is so much bigger than baseball. For us, it was doing whatever small part we could to just a hundred percent be supportive,” Friedman said at the time.
Dodgers and Blue Jays relief pitchers showed their support for Vesia by wearing his No. 51 jersey on their caps during the World Series.
The Vesias thanked the Dodgers organization, fans, Blue Jays, and others who offered condolences and support during their incredibly difficult time.
The left-hander has had an excellent start to the 2026 season, throwing five scoreless innings and earning two holds. Vesia’s appearance on Tuesday was the 300th of his Dodgers career.
Alex Vesia finds comfort with Dodgers teammates
Vesia’s emotional return to baseball included making a statement at the start of Spring Training.
Vesia appreciated getting high-fives from his Dodgers teammates and coaches in the dugout after his scoreless appearance.
“Yeah, I mean, I think I said it in my statement, being around the guys, it’s really been comforting,” Vesia said. “We’ve had multiple conversations, and guys are asking me questions and just trying to feel for me, and that’s honestly been a blessing.
“I do like talking about it with the guys and whatnot, and I don’t want them to feel like they can’t, because to share those important moments and whatnot. These guys are my brothers, man, I truly do love all of them. So yeah, it’s meant a lot.”
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