Toronto (Canada) (AFP) – Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia is expected to miss the entirety of the World Series after withdrawing from the squad due to personal reasons, manager Dave Roberts said on Friday. Vesia, a key part of the Dodgers bullpen, was ruled out of Friday’s game one on Thursday after the team announced he was dealing with a “deeply personal family matter” with his wife, Kayla.
The Dodgers on Friday unveiled their 26-man roster for the World Series, with Vesia not included amongst a pool of 12 pitchers. Roberts said the team did not expect Vesia to return to the squad for the World Series. “Unless something unforeseen happens, that’s kind of what we’re anticipating,” Roberts said.
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Roberts said the absence of the popular Vesia would provide the Dodgers with additional motivation as they aim to win back-to-back World Series. “It’s certainly on our hearts and we miss him, and we’ll be thinking about him, and certainly he’s a part of this,” Roberts said. “It’s just even more motivation.”
Vesia’s departure provides an opportunity for other members of the Dodgers’ bullpen to step up, Roberts added. The Dodgers relievers announced on Friday include Clayton Kershaw, while Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein have been handed spots on the roster. “We have a lot of viable options,” Roberts said. “I don’t know what situation will present itself. But I trust all the guys, I really do, and guys are going to have to step up. But Alex is certainly going to be missed.”
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