Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia has shared the heartbreaking reason for his absence from the World Series.
In a joint Instagram post on Friday, Vesia and his wife, Kayla, announced that they are mourning the loss of their baby daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia.
“Our little angel, we love you forever and you’re with us always,” the couple wrote. “Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday, October 26. There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through, but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her.”
The 29-year-old pitcher had been away from the team since the start of the World Series, with the Dodgers previously citing a “deeply personal family matter” in an Oct. 23 statement. The couple had announced in April that they were expecting their first child.
“Thank you to the Dodgers for their understanding and support during this time,” the couple added. “Our baseball family showed up for us, and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them.”
Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia (51) reacts after striking out a batter in the 11th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game 4 of the NLDS in the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium.
The couple also expressed their gratitude to Dodgers fans and the Toronto Blue Jays for their support during this heartbreaking time.
“Thank you, Dodger Nation, Blue Jays organization, and all baseball fans for your love and support,” they wrote. “We have seen ALL your messages, comments, and posts. They’ve brought us so much comfort.”
Vesia did not appear in the World Series after pitching in seven games earlier this postseason. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously said that the situation was “bigger than the game.”
A caption written for a photo of them,
Alex Vesia with his wife, Kayla.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reflected on the situation with compassion, saying on Oct. 24,
“This is so much bigger than baseball,” Friedman said. “And for us, it was doing whatever small part we could to just 100 percent be supportive.”
