One of the more intriguing events left before the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Blue Jays in the World Series is the announcement of the rosters for the series. While most of the players are pretty locked in, pitching staffs in particular can have some wrinkles thrown in that are tailored to dealing with specific match-ups. While one surprise has already revealed itself, it has absolutely nothing to do with gamesmanship or strategy.
The Dodgers' bullpen has outsized importance in this series. The rotation has been brilliant, but they have also thrown a lot of innings this year and at the first sign of trouble, the relief corps have to step up. Alex Vesia had done just that this postseason with a 3.86 ERA in seven appearances thus far.
Unfortunately, the Dodgers will be without Vesia in their bullpen at the start of the series as the team announced that he is away from the team dealing with a personal matter.
Dodgers to be without Alex Vesia for World Series as LA fans rally around him
It is moments like these where baseball seems so silly to even be thinking about. There is no word yet about exactly what issue Vesia is tending to, the team's statement used language like "with a heavy heart" and talked about his family. To miss the World Series, one has to think that the situation is very serious and good on the Dodgers being so supportive.
Thankfully, the response from fans has been (mostly) supportive in the immediate aftermath. Yes, there are some human toilets out there complaining, but most of the takes have reflected support and concern for the Vesia family.
BREAKING: The Dodgers have announced that Alex Vesia is away from the team ahead of the World Series due to a deeply personal family matter.
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) October 23, 2025
Prayers up for Vesia and his family during this time 🙏 pic.twitter.com/223eT7rVMO
There will be a time and a place for roster and bullpen speculation, but it is nice to see Dodgers fans rally around Vesia during what has to be an incredibly difficult time. LA will certainly miss him on the field, but there are more important things than baseball. Our thoughts are with the Vesia family during this trying time in their lives.
