Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia reflects on career and personal loss ahead of postseason

Alex Vesia, a left-handed reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers, expressed sentimentality as the team prepares for the postseason, which begins Saturday against the Atlanta Braves. Vesia, who is a pending free agent, noted that he might have played his last regular-season home game. He has been with the Dodgers since February 2021 and has made 367 appearances, the most of any pitcher on the team during that time, with a 2.66 ERA and 5.7 wins above replacement. Vesia's journey has included significant personal challenges, including the loss of his newborn daughter last October. He described the past year as extremely hard and emphasized the importance of cherishing moments in life. Vesia hopes to continue with the Dodgers beyond this season and has appreciated the support from his teammates. He has performed well this season, posting a 2.64 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 58 innings. Vesia acknowledged that his motivation has changed following his personal loss, stating that his perspective on the game and his connections with teammates have deepened.