The Los Angeles Dodgers' relief corps took another setback this week when left-hander Alex Vesia was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right oblique strain. The move, retroactive to August 23, came after Vesia felt tightness during a catch session in San Diego over the weekend. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed it's an intercostal issue on the side, calling it highly unlikely that Vesia will return for the NLCS if the team advances. For a pitcher who's been a workhorse in high-leverage spots, this timing couldn't be worse as the Dodgers gear up for the postseason stretch.
Vesia, 29, has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers' bullpen since joining the team in 2021 after a stint with the Marlins. This season alone, he's appeared in over 60 games, posting a 2.45 ERA and striking out more than 70 batters in under 60 innings. His slider has become a nightmare for right-handed hitters, holding them to a .220 average. However, the oblique injury isn't his first rodeo with the trainer's room—earlier nagging issues sidelined him briefly last year too. Indeed, the Dodgers have leaned on him heavily, with Vesia logging the most innings among their lefties. Now, with the bullpen already thinned by other ailments, this feels like a particularly frustrating blow.
Roberts didn't mince words post-game against the Reds, noting the team's depth will be tested. Promotions from the minors, like calling up a fresh arm from Triple-A, are already in motion to fill the void. Vesia's absence leaves a gap in late-inning matchups, especially against lefty-heavy lineups. Moreover, as the Dodgers chase another division title, questions swirl about how sustainable their relief pitching remains without him. However, the front office has options, and they've navigated injuries before.
Still, for a club with World Series aspirations, every healthy arm counts in October. One wonders how this reshuffles their strategy moving forward.