Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed relief pitcher Alex Vesia struck out two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani during his first live batting practice of 2026 spring training.
Vesia let out a loud “YEAH” after striking out the superstar, followed by light applause from the onlooking fans. Following the end of his bullpen, the fans cheered much louder.
Vesia hasn’t pitched for the Dodgers since the NLCS in 2025, as he missed out on the World Series after he and his wife, Kayla, tragically lost their daughter.
“The amount of support you’ve given Kay and I has been overwhelming in the best way,” Vesia said. “We’re beyond grateful to be a part of the organization and this family. So many of you have stepped up and been there for us in a big way over the past few months. It’s meant the world to Kay and I.”
Alex Vesia’s full comments on the matter:
I just want to start off by acknowledging my wife, Kayla, who is not only the strongest person that I know, but a support system for me every bit as much as I am for her. Part of what I am here to share is on behalf of the both of us.
I will start off by thanking the Dodgers: Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, Doc, the whole coaching staff, and all of my teammates. The amount of support you have given Kay and I has been overwhelming in the best way. We are beyond grateful to be a part of this organization and this family. So many of you have stepped up and have been there for us in a big way over the past few months, and it has meant the world to both Kay and I.
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the Toronto Blue Jays—their front office, coaching staff, and their players—for showing us the support. They are a first-class organization, and I just want to say thank you to them.
When Kay and I were watching the World Series, we noticed there was 51 on Louie Varland’s hat. I immediately texted Gus Varland—it’s his brother—and I asked him if I was seeing that correctly. He texted me back right away and said, “The Varlands love you, dude. The whole Toronto bullpen has it too. It’s bigger than baseball. We love y’all.” Kay and I were very emotional. We were super overwhelmed with emotion, and the community, the relationships that you make along the way… it showed that it was much bigger than baseball.
The outpouring of love and support Kay and I have had over the past few months has been unmatched. We’re both grateful to not only Dodger Nation but the fans worldwide. My DMs are basically broken on Instagram from all the love and support that we’ve had. I’ve tried to read all the comments and everything, and it’s meant the world, really.
We even got a jersey from the L.A. Rams with all their signatures on it. That was a surprise and very cool as well. We’ll have that framed and put up in our house.
The lessons we have learned from this is that life can change in an instant for us. Ten minutes is all it took. Sterling Sol was the most beautiful girl in the world. We got to hold her, change her diaper, read to her, and love her. Our time together was far too short. Kay and I will keep those precious moments and memories to ourselves.
I hope that anyone listening can empathize and respect our wishes for privacy as we continue to heal and navigate the ups and downs of a baseball season. Stepping away from the team—the brothers that I go to war with every day—was difficult. But it was also an easy decision because my family needed me.
We still watched every pitch of the World Series. And for us, in so many ways, that was a light in our darkness. We got back to Arizona like the first or the second of November, and I immediately got back into the gym. I started my throwing program. Having something to look forward to has helped me. The gym has been my mental clarity.
Being around the guys again, preparing for Spring Training, it’s been really nice. I’ve gotten a lot of love so far in the clubhouse, and being able to laugh and joke around has been really nice for me.
Kay and I started therapy about six weeks ago. It hasn’t been easy, but talking to someone has made a difference. For those out there who have lost a child or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this, please seek help. Talk to somebody. It’s definitely helped Kay and I. Please don’t be afraid to speak up. Your mental health matters.
I’ve learned that what has happened to us has also happened to so many families. Realizing that has deepened our empathy and our gratitude for this community. The baseball community is extremely strong.
I was not prepared to not bring my baby girl home. But we’re carrying her with us every day. It’s been hard, but we’re doing okay. Thank you.
Oct 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia (51) reacts in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during game four of the NLCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesWhat Role Will Alex Vesia Play for the Dodgers in 2026?
Vesia has been with the Dodgers since 2021, and has played an important role in both of their World Series runs over the last two seasons.
He is one of several left-handed relievers currently on the Dodgers’ roster, and he will more than likely be one of the more important players out of the bullpen in the coming season.
The southpaw had a 3.02 ERA through 68 appearances last season, striking out 80 batters through 59.2 innings pitched. He also recorded a sub-1.000 WHIP for the second season in a row.
L.A. is looking to improve in their bullpen in 2026 after a late-season collapse in 2025, and will hope Vesia can get on the right track heading into the regular season. He has more than a month to get going, though, and if he’s already striking out the best player in MLB, there shouldn’t be much to worry about.
Are you looking forward to seeing Alex Vesia back in action?
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