Dodgers Reliever Alex Vesia Placed on Bereavement List Ahead of World Series Game 1

Key Dodgers Bullpen Arm Alex Vesia Steps Away for Deeply Personal Matter

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a significant roster change just hours before the start of the 2025 World Series, confirming that veteran relief pitcher Alex Vesia has been placed on the bereavement list. The move means the left-handed specialist will be unavailable for Game 1 of the Fall Classic, stepping away from the team to address a “deeply personal matter.”

This unexpected absence creates an immediate and critical challenge for the Dodgers’ bullpen management as they prepare to face their opponent in the opening game on Friday.

Understanding the Bereavement List and Vesia’s Timeline

The decision to place Vesia, 29, on the bereavement list adheres to Major League Baseball (MLB) rules designed to allow players time to address serious family or personal issues without penalty. Crucially, the designation dictates a specific timeline for his absence, providing some clarity on when the Dodgers might expect his return.

MLB Bereavement List Rules

Under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, the bereavement list requires a player to miss a minimum and maximum number of days:

• Minimum Absence: A player must miss at least three days of active roster status.
• Maximum Absence: The player can remain on the list for a maximum of seven days.
• Roster Replacement: While Vesia is on the list, the Dodgers are permitted to call up a replacement player to maintain a full 26-man active roster for the World Series.

Given the three-day minimum, Vesia will certainly miss Game 1 and likely Game 2, which typically occurs on Saturday. If the situation requires the maximum seven days, he could potentially miss the entire first half of the series, including the travel day and the first road game.

Impact on the Dodgers’ World Series Bullpen Strategy

Vesia’s absence is a considerable blow to the Dodgers’ pitching staff, particularly given his role as a high-leverage left-handed reliever. In the modern postseason, the ability to neutralize dangerous left-handed hitters in critical moments is paramount, and Vesia has been a reliable option for Manager Dave Roberts.

Throughout the regular season and the preceding playoff rounds, Vesia served as a key bridge pitcher, often called upon in the sixth or seventh innings to maintain a lead or escape a jam. Losing a reliable left-hander forces Roberts to adjust his late-game matchups and potentially rely more heavily on other relievers, including right-handers who might not have the same platoon advantage.

Filling the Void

To fill the immediate roster spot, the Dodgers will activate another player. This replacement is typically another reliever who can provide necessary depth, though they may not possess Vesia’s specific experience or effectiveness in high-pressure situations. The replacement player will remain on the active roster until Vesia is reinstated.

This situation underscores the importance of bullpen depth in the postseason, forcing the team to pivot its strategy instantly. The remaining left-handed options in the bullpen will face increased pressure and workload until Vesia is able to rejoin the team.

Key Takeaways for Fans

This sudden development has immediate implications for the start of the World Series. Here are the essential facts regarding Alex Vesia’s status:

• Status: Placed on the MLB bereavement list due to a deeply personal matter.
• Availability: Unavailable for Game 1 of the World Series (Friday) and likely Game 2 (Saturday).
• Timeline: Expected to be away from the team for a minimum of three days and a maximum of seven days.
• Roster: The Dodgers have activated a replacement player to maintain their 26-man roster capacity.
• Significance: His absence removes a crucial high-leverage left-handed option from the bullpen rotation during the most critical series of the year.

The Dodgers organization has requested privacy for Vesia and his family during this time, focusing their attention on supporting the player while preparing for the championship series.