Alex Vesia Delivers Emotional Season Debut After Personal Tragedy
· Yahoo Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia could not hold back his emotions during his season debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.
Vesia, who sadly did not pitch during the World Series after stepping away from the team, got his World Series ring along with the rest of the team, taking a moment to celebrate.
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While he was missed as a bullpen arm during the World Series, Vesia played a key role early in the playoff run and throughout the season as one of the few bright spots out of the bullpen, a year when they lacked many.
However, tragedy struck the Vesia family in the middle of the Dodgers’ run. Alex and his wife, Kayla, lost their daughter Steling Sol, who died on Oct. 26.
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia (51) reacts after the final out of the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesThe pair announced the news on Nov. 7, writing that there were “no words to describe the pain we’re going through.”
“What I would give to have my Sterling girl here,” Kayla wrote.
Now, as he moves on to a new season, Alex is making sure that the memory of his daughter lives on every time that he steps on the mound.
Vesia came in during the seventh inning, the preferred time that manager Dave Roberts likes to deploy the reliever. The game was tied at 4-4, and as he took the mound, Vesia was wearing a special pink glove he helped design, with the words “Sterling Sol” written on it.
He also had a “K” on the ring finger in honor of his wife and his daughter’s birthday on the glove, making it a full tribute to his family.
Vesia used the glove to good effect, getting a clean inning on the books, with just one hit allowed. The lefty has seen a bit of a velocity dip that has persisted, but he remains an effective reliever.
After getting the final out of the inning, Vesia was emotional, as he typically is, but this time he pointed to his chest repeatedly and looked up to the sky, a clear nod to his daughter, who he believes is watching over him from above.
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Vesia’s Opening Day Message
Before the start of the season, Vesia made sure to send a clear message to Dodger fans about where he was at mentally.
“Same goals… different perspectives… new motivations,” Vesia wrote in his caption. “Thankful for everyone who has stuck by me. Dodger Nation gonna bring the energy. I’m going to make you proud SSV.”
For Vesia, this season has a higher purpose.
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