Alex Vesia Steps Away for “Deeply Personal” Family Matter as Dodgers Reshape World Series Roster; Club Rallies Behind No. 51

Alex Vesia is away from the Los Angeles Dodgers during the World Series to attend to a “deeply personal family matter,” prompting swift roster changes and a public show of support from teammates. The left-handed reliever—one of the club’s most trusted October arms—was left off the World Series roster, and players have been spotted adding subtle “51” tributes to caps and gear as the series shifts toward its pivotal middle games.

The latest on Alex Vesia and family

Team officials reiterated this week that Vesia’s situation is “so much bigger than baseball,” declining specifics while asking for privacy for Alex and his wife, Kayla. Earlier this year the couple shared they were expecting a daughter; recent social posts from Kayla Vesia kept fans updated on a healthy pregnancy. There is no timetable for a return, and the Dodgers intentionally did not use the family medical emergency list—avoiding any countdown that could pressure Vesia to rejoin before he is ready.

Bottom line: Treat any “Vesia update” chatter as unofficial unless it comes from the club. For now, the priority is family.

How the Dodgers adjusted the World Series roster

With Vesia and fellow lefty Tanner Scott removed for the Fall Classic—and Ben Casparius also off—the Dodgers inserted two right-handers:

• Will Klein, 25, a power reliever who spent much of the fall staying ready in Arizona.

• Edgardo Henriquez, 23, whose early-season run of scoreless appearances earned a late-year look.

Lefty Justin Wrobleski also remains a factor on the pitching staff, giving manager Dave Roberts flexibility if matchups trend toward opposite-handed bats or if the club needs length after a short start. Usage will be game-state dependent, especially after marathon outings that tax the bullpen.

Will Klein’s breakout fills the Vesia void—for now

In one of October’s most unlikely turns, Will Klein delivered a heroic multi-inning relief appearance in the extra-inning epic that swung the series. Called upon as the last man in a depleted bullpen, the rookie righty piled up four scoreless frames on a career-high pitch count, smothering rallies and buying the offense the inning it needed. His stuff—elevated four-seamers above bats and a hard breaker that stayed off barrels—played even deeper than the scouting reports suggested.

What it means strategically:

• Late-inning trust: Klein’s emergence gives Roberts a fresh high-leverage option alongside established arms.

• Matchup math: Without Vesia’s left-on-left dominance, the Dodgers may now attack lefties with velocity and back-foot breakers from right-handers, saving their remaining southpaws for pockets of the order.

• Knock-on effects: If Klein absorbs leverage, Henriquez can shift into earlier bridges, while Wrobleski becomes the safety valve for bulk or emergency length.

Dugout support: No. 51 everywhere

From bullpen railings to postgame walk-offs, teammates have been quietly honoring Vesia—a clubhouse message that the reliever remains part of the fight even while away. The gestures are small but consistent: “51” penned on hats and wrist tape, shout-outs in on-field interviews, and a steady drumbeat of “we’ve got you” from leaders in the room. For a staff that leaned on Vesia in tight October moments, the symbolism matters.

How Vesia’s absence changes the chessboard

Without Vesia:

• Fewer traditional left-on-left lanes in the 7th–9th.

• More reliance on splitter/slider looks from righties to neutralize left-handed bats.

• Greater importance on first-pitch strikes; falling behind without the platoon edge invites damage.

With Klein/Henriquez/Wrobleski:

• Klein can face either side if his fastball rides; he’s now a candidate for tie-game or one-run leads.

• Henriquez brings swing-and-miss but needs zone consistency; expect shorter, scripted pockets.

• Wrobleski offers length and lefty look if a starter exits early or if extra innings loom again.

What to watch in Game 4 and beyond

• Bullpen availability: After the marathon, the club will triage arms for back-to-backs. Expect communication to drive who’s truly hot.

• Leverage ladder: If Klein’s stuff holds, he could absorb a chunk of the high-leverage innings Vesia typically owns.

• Starter leash: Roberts may stretch a starter through borderline spots to protect the pen—especially if early pitch counts stay reasonable.

• Roster tweaks: Barring injuries, major changes mid-series are unlikely, but role definitions can swing overnight based on recovery and performance.

If you’re tracking names from the depth chart

• Alex Vesia — away for family reasons; no return timetable.

• Kayla Vesia — expecting; public updates remain positive.

• Will Klein — surprise October hero, elevated into leverage.

• Justin Wrobleski — left-handed length option; usage depends on recovery windows.

• Edgardo Henriquez — live arm for middle frames.

• Dave Roberts — balancing empathy with tactical needs as he re-maps late innings.

The bigger picture

The Dodgers framed the decision around humanity first: support the player, respect the family, remove the clock. On the field, that stance forced creativity—and unearthed a bullpen contributor who may change the series calculus. However the next games unfold, the club’s message has been consistent: No. 51 matters most, even when he isn’t on the mound.