Vesia's Heartfelt Tribute on the Mound

0:00Dodger's reliever, Alex Vaesia, closed out a tie 2-1 win over the Blue Jays last Tuesday at Dodger Stadium with a perfect ninth inning, striking, out the side on fastballs and sliders. It was healthcare appreciation night, and Vaesia invited more than two dozen medical workers from Cedars, Sinai, who supported him and his wife Kayla. After their newborn daughter Sterling passed away during last October's postseason, the moment hit deep for Vaesia, who called it one of the most memorable things he's done on a baseball field, right up there with his biggest highlights. He fought back tears, but shared big smiles and hugs with the staff and his wife right after, soaking in the love from the crowd and his team. Teammates showed matter-spect too. Dodger's relievers rocked Vaesia's number 51 on their caps, and even the Blue Jays crew did the same during the World Series last fall. That solidarity gave Vaesia and Kayla real comfort through their grief. Vaesia built his game at Cal State East Bay, setting school records before getting drafted

1:01by the Marlins in the 17th round back in 2018. Now in his fifth season with the Dodgers, he's pitched in over 310 games with a sharp 2.58 ERA, and he's been lights out. Lately with 10 strikeouts over 8 and 2-3 scoreless innings, with closer Edwin Diaz sideline 3 months after elbow surgery, Vaesia's in line for more high leverage spots in the committee approach. He trusts manager Dave Roberts completely and stays ready to lock down whatever outs they need, keeping that fire burning on and off the field. That's your update from California News Today, powered by AI.