Alex Vesia Secures Save While Honoring the Medical Team That Supported His Family
Cedars-Sinai Medical Team Honored at Dodger Stadium
Members of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center were recognized at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday during Healthcare Appreciation Night, an event hosted by pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife, Kayla.
Vesia delivered a standout performance in the ninth inning, striking out all three batters he faced, which drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd. An emotional moment unfolded as he pointed to the stands, where medical staff who supported the couple during a challenging time were seated. This celebration came amidst a heavy backdrop, as the Vesia family recently experienced the loss of their baby daughter.
“It was very special, very emotional,” Vesia remarked after the game. “Today was the first time I’ve seen pretty much all of them since everything happened. One of the main nurses who took care of us was here tonight, too— that was awesome. I couldn’t have written it any better.”
The relief pitcher faced just 10 batters to secure the Dodgers’ one-run lead during the game.
The Vesias shared their grief publicly following the death of their daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, on October 26. Last season, Vesia was absent from the Dodgers’ World Series roster due to a personal leave. "Our little angel, we love you forever & you’re with us always," they wrote in an Instagram post, expressing their profound sorrow and gratitude for support during their hardship.
In a statement from the Dodgers on October 23, the team expressed their compassion for the family, stating, "It’s with a heavy heart that we share that Alex Vesia is away from the team as he and his wife Kayla navigate a deeply personal family matter."
During Game 3 of the World Series, both the Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays honored Vesia by wearing caps adorned with his number, 51, in a display of solidarity. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the strong bond within the MLB community, saying, "For these guys to recognize Alex and what he and Kayla have gone through, heartbreaking is not even a good enough descriptor."
Originally from Alpine, California, Vesia was drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2018 and made his major league debut in July 2020. As part of the Dodgers, he posted a 4-2 record with a 3.02 ERA in 68 appearances this past season. The organization has recently exercised a contract option for Vesia in 2026, granting him a salary of $3.55 million instead of a $50,000 buyout.
