In a frustrating turn for the Los Angeles Dodgers, left-handed reliever Alex Vesia has been sidelined with a right oblique strain, landing him on the 15-day injured list retroactive to August 23. The move came just as the team seemed to be stabilizing its pitching staff, highlighting yet another hurdle in what has been a bumpy season for their bullpen.
Vesia, 29, has been a reliable arm out of the pen this year, posting a 2.45 ERA over 44 appearances before the injury struck. He felt tightness during a catch session in San Diego over the weekend, forcing the Dodgers to act quickly. Indeed, his absence leaves a noticeable gap; Vesia struck out 62 batters in just 40.1 innings, often serving as a high-leverage option against lefty-heavy lineups. The Dodgers recalled prospect Jackson Ferris from Triple-A to fill the spot, but it's clear this isn't the seamless swap fans hoped for.
However, the timing couldn't be worse. With the playoffs looming and the Dodgers pushing for a strong finish in the NL West, Vesia's injury adds pressure to an already taxed relief corps. Manager Dave Roberts called it a "tough blow," emphasizing how Vesia's deceptive slider and velocity have been key in late innings. Last season, he appeared in 66 games, helping anchor the championship run, but this oblique issue echoes nagging durability concerns that have dogged him sporadically.
Recovery timelines for oblique strains vary, often sidelining pitchers for four to six weeks, though Vesia's history suggests he might push back sooner. The Dodgers, ever resilient, will lean on the likes of Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen in the interim. Moreover, this setback underscores the fine line between contention and chaos in October baseball.
Still, as the season winds down, one wonders if these injuries will ultimately define the Dodgers' postseason fate or just steel their resolve for another deep run.