Los Angeles Dodgers key reliever Alex Vesia delivered when the Dodgers needed him at the bottom of the ninth inning, getting three outs for a save with a one-run lead.
Vesia has been one of the more reliable arms for the Dodgers over the past few years, and in 2026, it has been no different.
He has a 2.59 ERA through 24.1 innings of work, serving in high-leverage spots whenever he is needed.
However, over his last seven games, Vesia has a 4.50 ERA in 4 innings, becoming one of many relievers who have struggled in the recent run of games.
Jun 17, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia (51) delivers to the plate during the ninth inning earing a save against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Just about the whole bullpen has been untrustworthy over the past few weeks, having their own blowups. As the struggles continued, Dodgers fans’ frustration grew, calling for roster moves and big trades to address the reliever issue that seemed to be bubbling.
Alex Vesia Makes Statement on Fans’ Criticism
Recently, there has been a turnaround, with Vesia especially dominant against a tricky Tampa Bay Rays squad during the homestand, and Vesia took the chance to respond to fans who had been calling for players to be cut just days earlier.
“We clicked off 40-something (scoreless innings) then we had a couple tough ones, and online everybody is supposed to get DFAed,” Vesia said.
“We believe in our guys in here. I certainly do. We’re going to have ups and downs but I think it helps us grow so at the end of the day that adversity right now will help us in the postseason.”
Jun 17, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia (51) delivers to the plate during the ninth inning earning a save against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Dodgers’ bullpen ERA was at 3.77, good for 12th in MLB, though their expected numbers like xERA and FIP paint a rosier picture of a top-10 unit overall.
There is a good deal of volatility in bullpen pitching, and the Dodgers are also dealing with injuries to Edwin Diaz and Evan Phillips, which are playing a role in the rising ERA.
But overall, even if they don’t make any more moves, the Dodgers are in good shape. LA would have longed for this kind of bullpen pitching last season, and things are in a much better spot so far in 2026.
LA Baseball Report
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