Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia shared why he missed the team’s World Series championship win over the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this month.

Vesia, 29, and his wife, Kayla, were expecting a baby girl prior to the World Series. On Oct. 23, one day before Game 1, Vesia announced he would be stepping away from the Dodgers due to a “deeply personal family matter.”

“Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday, October 26th,” Alex and Kayla shared in an Instagram post on Saturday. “There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her.

“Thank you to the Dodgers for their understanding and support during this time. Our baseball family showed up for us and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them. Thank you Dodger Nation, Blue Jays organization and all baseball fans for your love and support. We have seen ALL your messages, comments and posts. It’s brought us so much comfort.

“Lastly, we’d like to thank Cedars Sinai and all the medical staff who helped Kayla and Sterling. Every person we came across was truly so incredible. With Love, The Vesias.”

Vesia, a lefty reliever, had pitched for the Dodgers earlier in its postseason run against the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers. He posted a 2-0 record and 3.86 ERA in 4.2 innings pitched across seven appearances.

Vesia has played six seasons in MLB, including one with the Miami Marlins and his last five with the Dodgers. He’s been a key part of the Dodgers bullpen during its two straight World Series wins, posting a 2.36 ERA across 126 innings over the past two regular seasons.

The MLB Players Association issued a statement of support for the Vesias.

“The MLBPA sends its love and support to Alex and Kayla at this difficult time,” the association wrote in a post to X. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Dodgers community.”

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