Alex Vesia has been a staple of the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen for four seasons now, but it’s been a winding road for the left-hander throughout.
He was one of manager Dave Roberts’ most trusted relievers beginning in 2021, and he is once again fulfilling that role in 2024. But during that time, he has dealt with struggles as points and was optioned to the Minor Leagues multiple times to work on things.
Vesia struggled mightily to find a rhythm in 2023, posting a 4.35 ERA and 1.389 WHIP at the Major League level, including a dismal first half that saw him hold a 7.58 ERA through his first 23 appearances before going to Triple-A.
Vesia returned, resembling the pitcher that was statistically one of the best left-handed relievers in the Majors in 2021 and 2022. He’s doubled down on that improvement in 2024, posting a 1.30 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 26 appearances.
Roberts took stock of what he was seeing in Vesia through the first two months of 2024, according to Jack Harris of The L.A. Times:
“His confidence is starting to grow,” manager Dave Roberts said recently. “We’ve certainly leaned on him.”
Vesia believes that going through what he went through last season improved him as a pitcher and gave him that confidence to be a high-leverage piece:
“Nobody expected me to be where I am today,” Vesia said. “So you’re familiar with adversity. You’re familiar with adjustments. You’re familiar with that process. I think that’s huge.”
Dodgers bullpen coach Josh Bard spoke about the specific adjustments he was looking for Vesia to make and how impressed he has been by the turnaround:
“He has shown a lot of courage, just trusting our information and pounding the zone,” bullpen coach Josh Bard said. “We’re built on throwing strikes. And when he does that, he has a lot of success.”
Vesia has played a massive role in the Dodgers having one of the best bullpens in the Majors this season. And given that less than a year ago he was being demoted to Triple-A, it’s hard to have imagined then that he would be back in this spot.
It’s a testament to his abilities and the work he put in during a dark time last season.
Dave Roberts credits development of homegrown players
For as much attention as the Dodgers’ star additions get, the roster also features a slew of homegrown players such as Will Smith, Andy Pages, Gavin Lux, Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone, among others.
Smith has developed into an All-Star catcher, while Pages and Lux have taken on starting roles this season. Miller was part of the Dodgers’ Opening Day starting rotation but has since landed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, and Stone has run away with a spot in the rotation.
Roberts praised the organization’s player development and scouting departments for consistently being able to churn talent.
