Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia will not be joining the team as they head into the World Series, with the organization confirming Thursday that he is stepping away to address a deeply personal family matter involving his wife, Kayla.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we share that Alex Vesia is away from the team as he and his wife Kayla navigate a deeply personal family matter,” the Dodgers said in an official statement. “The entire organization is sending our thoughts to the Vesia family, and we will provide an update at a later date.”
Vesia’s wife, Kayla, who is pregnant, was recently seen celebrating the Dodgers’ last win in a photo shared on her Instagram, sparking an outpouring of support from fans after news of Vesia’s absence broke.
The announcement comes just a day before Game 1 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, leaving the Dodgers to make last-minute roster adjustments. Manager Dave Roberts addressed the situation Thursday, saying the team is “trying to understand the process and the rules” as they work to fill a key bullpen role.
Vesia, a key left-handed reliever, was instrumental in the Dodgers’ playoff run, having appeared in several crucial innings during the previous series.
This story will be updated with more details.
