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Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia admitted he was almost in tears after striking out three straight New York Mets hitters to close out a 2-1 victory at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night.
It’s not normally Vesia’s job to close out games, but with Edwin Diaz dealing with arm fatigue, manager Dave Roberts urged him to face Jorge Polanco, Bo Bichette and Francisco Alvarez while clinging to a one-run lead in the top of the ninth inning. But he was up for the challenge.
It also happened to be a health night at Dodger Stadium, and some of those honored in the crowd that night were by Vesia’s side through a horrific time for the veteran left-hander.
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Alex Vesia and Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate a 2-1 win against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on April 14, 2026. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Vesia and his wife lost their infant daughter last October – just five days after she was born. Before the 2025 World Series, Vesia left the team citing a “deeply personal matter” and he never pitched in the exciting Fall Classic that followed with the Toronto Blue Jays.
On Tuesday night, some of the health workers who cared for Vesia and his family through the tough time were in the stands to support him. And they went ballistic when his performance was shaping up to be good.
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Cameras panned to the group of health workers who were there for Vesia, and they were on their feet jumping and cheering every time he landed a strike. When Alvarez was called for a check-swing strike three to end the game, Vesia reacted in elation as he celebrated the victory.
During a postgame interview, he pointed to the suite where those health care professionals cheered him on and talked about their influence.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia points to the stands after closing out the ninth inning of a game against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 14, 2026. (Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times)
“I’m going to cry, man. It’s a very emotional day. Everyone up there played a very, very, very big part. [My wife] Kay and I are just so excited to share today. For me to get a save, it’s unbelievable.”
The Dodgers and Blue Jays both paid tribute to Vesia on the field during the World Series and showed support through his plight. A few days after the World Series, Vesia announced his daughter’s death, thanking the Dodgers, the fan base and the Blue Jays for their support during this difficult time.
Vesia was back with the Dodgers to start the 2026 season, and his first outing resulted in a standing ovation from the Dodger Stadium crowd after he got out of a seventh-inning jam against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia celebrates after the final out of the MLB game against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 14, 2026. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)
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And just like he was in the first outing, Vesia wore a custom pink Marucci glove on his right hand Tuesday night with his daughter’s name stitched on it. He also had her date of birth as well as a “K” for his wife on the glove’s ring finger.
Since the start of the season, Vesia has not given up a run for the Dodgers, striking out nine batters and also collecting a save prior to Tuesday night.
