The Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen, already tested this season, took another hit when left-hander Alex Vesia landed on the 15-day injured list with a right oblique strain. It happened back on August 27, retroactive to August 23, just as the team was grinding through a tough schedule. Vesia, who has been a reliable arm out of the 'pen since joining the Dodgers in 2021 after a stint with the Marlins, felt tightness while playing catch in San Diego over the weekend. That sidelined him at a time when every pitch counts, especially with the playoffs heating up.
Indeed, Vesia's absence stings. The 29-year-old from Alpine, California, posted a solid 2.30 ERA over 47 appearances this year before the injury, striking out 62 in 43.1 innings. He transitioned from starter in the minors to a high-leverage reliever, often facing lefties with his sharp slider and fastball combo. However, the Dodgers have dealt with their share of pitching woes—obliques, elbows, you name it—and Vesia's setback adds to the pile. Manager Dave Roberts called it frustrating, noting how the lefty had been pivotal in late innings, holding opponents to a .189 batting average against.
Moreover, as the Dodgers clinched their NLDS spot with a 6-3 win over the Reds on Wednesday night, questions linger about bullpen depth. They face the Phillies next, a matchup that demands precision. Vesia's rehab timeline remains unclear, but oblique strains can linger, pulling players out for weeks. The team recalled prospects and shuffled the roster, yet the strain is evident. Still, LA's rotation, bolstered by stars like Yamamoto and Glasnow, might carry them through.
However, in a season defined by resilience, the Dodgers press on, their championship pedigree tested once more. One wonders if this injury reshapes their postseason strategy in ways we can't yet predict.