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Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia admitted he was almost in tears after striking out three New York Mets batters in a row to close out a 2-1 victory at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night.
It’s generally not Vesia’s job to close out games, but with Edwin Diaz dealing with arm fatigue, manager Dave Roberts called him up to face Jorge Polanco, Bo Bichette and Francisco Alvarez as he clung to a one-run lead in the top of the ninth inning. But he was up for the challenge.
It also happened to be a night of healthcare appreciation at Dodger Stadium, and some of the honorees in the crowd that night stood by Vesia during a horrific moment for the veteran left-hander.
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Alex Vesia and Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate a 2-1 victory against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on April 14, 2026. (Ronald Martínez/Getty Images)
Vesia and his wife lost their baby daughter last October, just five days after her birth. Before the 2025 World Series, Vesia left the team, citing a “deeply personal matter,” and never pitched in the exciting Fall Classic that followed with the Toronto Blue Jays.
On Tuesday night, some of the health care workers who cared for Vesia and his family during the difficult time were in the stands to support him. And they were furious when their performance turned out to be good.
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The cameras focused on the group of healthcare workers who were there for Vesia, and they were on their feet jumping and cheering every time he got a strikeout. When Alvarez was called for a strike-swing three to end the game, Vesia reacted with joy as he celebrated the victory.
During a postgame interview, he pointed out the suite where health care workers cheered him on and spoke about his impact.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia points toward the stands after closing out the ninth inning of a game against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 14, 2026. (Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times)
“I’m going to cry, man. This is a very emotional day. Everyone up there played a very, very, very important role. [My wife] Kay and I are very happy to be able to share today. For me to get a save is incredible.”
The Dodgers and Blue Jays paid tribute to Vesia on the field during the World Series, showing support for his situation. A few days before the World Series, Vesia announced the death of his daughter, where he thanked the Dodgers, the fans and the Blue Jays for their support during the difficult time.
Vesia returned to the Dodgers to begin the 2026 season, and his first outing resulted in a standing ovation from the Dodger Stadium crowd after getting out of a seventh-inning jam against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia celebrates after the final out of the MLB game against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 14, 2026. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)
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And just like that first outing, Vesia sported a personalized pink Marucci glove on her right hand Tuesday night with her daughter’s name embroidered on it. He also had his date of birth and a “K” from his wife on the ring finger of the glove.
Since the start of the season, Vesia has not allowed a run for the Dodgers, striking out nine batters and earning one save entering Tuesday night as well.
