Is Dodgers’ Alex Vesia Playing in the World Series Tonight? What We Know

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia will not play in Game 1 of the 2025 MLB World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The team confirmed that the left-handed reliever has stepped away from the roster to attend to a “deeply personal family matter.”

The news was announced just a day before the World Series opener on October 24, 2025. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the organization is “going through the process of trying to backfill [Alex’s] spot on the roster,” but emphasized that the team’s priority is supporting Vesia and his family.

Alex Vesia Steps Away from Dodgers Amid Family Situation

According to the Dodgers’ official statement, Alex Vesia is currently away from the team as he and his wife, Kayla Vesia, handle a private family issue. The team requested that fans and the media respect their privacy during this time.

Vesia, who has been one of the Dodgers’ most reliable bullpen arms this season, recorded a 3.02 ERA over nearly 60 innings in the 2025 regular season, along with five saves and 79 strikeouts. His postseason performance was also strong, helping the team reach the World Series for the second straight year.

Before Game 1, the Dodgers made a roster adjustment to compensate for his absence, adding right-handed pitchers Edgardo Henríquez and Will Klein to the World Series lineup. Vesia was officially placed on the family medical emergency list, which requires a minimum three-day absence but could extend depending on circumstances.

Fans may remember that Vesia and his wife Kayla announced earlier this year that they were expecting their first child, making the timing of his family matter deeply personal. Neither Alex nor Kayla has shared further details publicly, and the Dodgers have made clear that updates will come only if the family chooses to release them.

Inside Alex Vesia and Wife Kayla’s Relationship

Alex Vesia has credited his wife, Kayla, as one of his biggest supporters. The couple met in 2019 after Alex sent her a simple direct message on social media. They bonded over shared interests, including Supercross racing, and began dating shortly after.

Kayla, a former college soccer player from Minot State University in North Dakota, has often appeared at Dodgers events and fundraisers alongside her husband. After getting engaged in 2022, the couple married in January 2024 in a ceremony in San Diego surrounded by teammates, friends, and family.

Kayla has frequently cheered on Alex during games and major career milestones. Following the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series win, she posted a heartfelt message expressing pride in her husband’s success, calling it “a season to remember.”

How Vesia’s Absence Impacts the Dodgers’ World Series Strategy

Without Vesia, the Dodgers will have to reconfigure their bullpen strategy against the Blue Jays’ power-heavy lineup. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters and deliver high-leverage innings has been one of Los Angeles’ key strengths throughout the postseason.

In his absence, manager Dave Roberts will likely rely on other relievers to fill the gap, including Evan Phillips and Ryan Brasier. The Dodgers are known for their depth, but losing Vesia—especially at this stage of the season—creates a major tactical challenge.

Still, the Dodgers’ clubhouse has shown strong support for Vesia, understanding that family always comes first. As one team member reportedly said, “We’re a family in here too. We’ve got his back.”

Alex Vesia’s absence from Game 1 of the World Series serves as a reminder that personal life can intersect with professional milestones. The Dodgers remain hopeful he can rejoin the team soon, but for now, their focus—and his—is rightfully on family.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Alex Vesia playing in the World Series tonight?

No. The Dodgers confirmed that Alex Vesia is not active for Game 1 due to a deeply personal family matter.

Q2: Why is Alex Vesia away from the Dodgers?

He stepped away to handle a private family matter with his wife Kayla. The team has not released further details.

Q3: When could Alex Vesia return?

If placed on the family emergency list, he must miss at least three days before becoming eligible to return, possibly by Game 3 in Los Angeles.

Q4: Who is Kayla Vesia?

Kayla Vesia is Alex’s wife, a former college soccer player from Minot State University. The couple married in 2024 and are expecting their first child in 2025.

Q5: How are the Dodgers adjusting their bullpen?

The team added Edgardo Henríquez and Will Klein to the World Series roster to strengthen depth in Vesia’s absence.