Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia made his first spring training outing in the 3-0 win over the Seattle Mariners on Feb. 23 at Camelback Ranch. Furthermore, the outing marked an emotional return to the mound for him.
Vesia and his wife, Kayla, shared an announcement on Nov. 7 that their daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, had passed away on Oct. 26, which led to him missing the 2025 World Series.
Moreover, after his spring training debut, in which he went one inning with one strikeout, Vesia spoke about the support that his teammates have given him through this tragic family news as he prepares for the 2026 MLB season.
“Being around the guys, it’s really been comforting,” Vesia told reporters postgame (h/t SportsNet LA). “We’ve had multiple conversations, and guys are asking me questions and just trying to feel for me, and that’s honestly been a blessing.
“I do like talking about it with the guys and whatnot. I don’t want them to feel like they can’t, because sharing those important moments and whatnot matters. These guys are my brothers, man. I truly love all of them.”
Additionally, Vesia touched on the support from Dodgers fans, who gave him a standing ovation when he took the mound for his outing.
“It’s been hard, actually,” Vesia added. “I guess it’s hard in a good way because I want to interact with all the fans and stuff like that, but I know that I have a job to do. Even on the backfield, it was the first day [and] we walk out the doors, and cheers and lots of love. So, it means a lot to not only myself but for K, too.”
Alex Vesia Talks About Spring Outing Against Mariners
Nonetheless, when it came to baseball, the Dodgers and Vesia are encouraged by where the veteran reliever is after his first spring training outing.
“I’ll be completely honest; I probably spent way too much time in the gym,” Vesia said. “Probably I needed it, but I feel really good. I think that my throw is in a really good spot, at least from all the coaching staff. They’re very encouraged with where I’m at. I think I was 92 [miles per hour] today, so I’ll take that.
“I’ve come into camp where I’m like 86, 88. So as long as the fastball has the ride and the efficiency, we’re going to be in a good spot, and we’ll keep building from there. But I am actually really happy. That first outing, we’re in a good spot.”
Dodgers Get Blunt Outlook for 2026 From Alex Vesia
Vesia also spoke about being back and part of a team that is vastly improved after winning a second straight World Series with the major signings of Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker. Furthermore, the 29-year-old will be a key arm in the bullpen after posting a 4-2 record, an ERA of 3.02, 80 strikeouts, and five saves in 68 appearances in 2025, per StatMuse.
“Man, we got a lineup, we got starting pitching, bullpen,” Vesia said. “I mean, it’s going to be a fun year. I’m really excited. I think we’re going to do some really cool things this year.”
Alex Vesia Gives Strong Message to Dodgers After Spring Outing