Dodgers Reliever Alex Vesia Announces the Tragic Death of Infant Daughter, Sterling
Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed reliever Alex Vesia and his wife, Kayli Vesia, have shared the heartbreaking news that their baby daughter, Sterling, has died. The announcement, made via social media on Friday, November 8, 2025, confirmed the deeply personal reason behind Vesia’s recent absence from the team during the World Series.
Vesia, a crucial component of the Dodgers’ bullpen, had been placed on the restricted list just prior to the start of the championship series. At the time, the organization released a statement citing only a “deeply personal family matter,” honoring the family’s request for privacy during an intensely difficult period.
The news has sent shockwaves through the baseball community, prompting an outpouring of support for the Vesia family.
The Reason Behind Vesia’s World Series Absence
Baseball fans and analysts were left wondering why a key player would miss the most important series of the season. The Dodgers had just secured their spot in the World Series when the team announced that Alex Vesia would be unavailable, a move that immediately signaled a crisis of exceptional magnitude.
Vesia’s absence was felt keenly by the team. As a reliable left-handed specialist (LHP), he played a significant role in the Dodgers’ late-season success and their run through the National League playoffs. His ability to neutralize opposing left-handed power hitters is a specialized skill that is difficult to replace, especially in high-leverage postseason moments.
The decision by the team to place him on the restricted list, rather than the injured list, indicated that the matter was non-physical and required immediate, indefinite attention away from the game, prioritizing the player’s personal welfare over competitive needs.

A Statement of Profound Grief
The Vesia family chose to share their tragedy publicly to thank those who had offered support and to provide clarity regarding Alex’s time away from the field. The announcement was made jointly by Alex and Kayli Vesia on their respective Instagram accounts, conveying immense sorrow.
While the specific circumstances surrounding Sterling’s death were not detailed, the message conveyed the profound loss felt by the parents.
“Our beautiful baby girl, Sterling, has passed away. We are completely heartbroken and navigating unimaginable grief,” the statement read in part. “We thank everyone who has respected our privacy during this time and for the overwhelming support we have received from the Dodgers organization, our teammates, friends, and family.”
The statement emphasized the importance of family and requested continued respect for their privacy as they mourn the loss of their daughter, underscoring the raw, human element of their tragedy.
Organizational Support and MLB Community Response
The Los Angeles Dodgers organization immediately responded to the announcement, reiterating their commitment to supporting Alex and Kayli Vesia. This level of comprehensive support is critical in professional sports when players face severe personal crises.
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, and Manager Dave Roberts have consistently emphasized that family comes first. The team’s official response confirmed that they are providing every available resource to the family.
Key elements of the organizational response include:
- Immediate Leave: Granting Vesia indefinite leave without pressure to return to team duties.
- Privacy Protection: Maintaining strict silence regarding the nature of the emergency until the family chose to speak publicly.
- Resources: Offering comprehensive psychological and logistical support resources to the family during this difficult time.
This solidarity extends beyond the Dodgers clubhouse. The broader Major League Baseball community, including players, coaches, and rival organizations, has joined in offering condolences, demonstrating the unity often seen in the face of human tragedy.

Key Takeaways for the Reader
The news surrounding Alex Vesia’s absence from the World Series has been clarified with the announcement of the death of his infant daughter, Sterling. Here are the essential facts:
- Tragic Confirmation: Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia and his wife, Kayli Vesia, confirmed the death of their baby daughter, Sterling.
- Context of Absence: This tragedy was the “deeply personal family matter” that caused Vesia to miss the 2025 World Series.
- Family Privacy: The family requested and received privacy from the organization and the media until they were ready to share the news publicly.
- Organizational Support: The Los Angeles Dodgers have provided full support, ensuring family welfare is the top priority.
- Community Response: The baseball world is united in offering condolences and support to the Vesia family during their period of mourning.
Conclusion: A Time for Compassion and Healing
The announcement provides closure regarding the mystery of Alex Vesia’s sudden departure from the World Series stage, shifting the focus entirely from competitive baseball to human compassion. The decision by Alex and Kayli Vesia to share their grief, even while navigating an unimaginable loss, allows the public and the baseball community to offer focused, meaningful support.
Alex Vesia remains on the restricted list, and there is no timeline for his return to official team activities. The Dodgers organization will continue to provide him and his wife with the necessary time and resources to mourn and heal, supporting Vesia through the offseason and into the next season whenever he is ready to return to the field.
Original author: Associated Press
Originally published: November 8, 2025
Editorial note: Our team reviewed and enhanced this coverage with AI-assisted tools and human editing to add helpful context while preserving verified facts and quotations from the original source.
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