Dodgers Are ‘Hopeful’ Alex Vesia Can Join Team if They Advance to World Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers have heavily leaned on their bullpen this postseason and more of that is expected against the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series.

However, the bullpen with have to get the job done without left-handed reliever Alex Vesia.

Vesia had to leave during his warmup before the eighth inning in Game 5 of the Nation League Division Series on Friday due to what manager Dave Roberts described as an “intercostal issue.” The intercostal muscles are located between the ribs and can cause discomfort when strained.

“Losing Alex potentially is brutal. It sucks,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s a big part of what we do. But we’re just going to have to find somebody else to step up.”

The silver lining is that Vesia could return if the Dodgers make it to the World Series. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman says the team is “hopeful” Vesia might heal enough during the NLCS, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.

Vesia has been the Dodgers’ top left-handed reliever throughout the season and has emerged as a leader in the bullpen. In 67 appearances, he recorded a 1.76 ERA, striking out 87 batters over 66.1 innings.

His value lies in his ability to dominate both left- and right-handed hitters. Against righties, Vesia allowed just 20 hits in 133 at-bats for a .150 average, while limiting left-handers to an even lower .144 average.

While losing Vesia is disappointing, the Mets are a right-handed heavy lineup. Aside from Francisco Lindor, a switch-hitter, the majority of their key hitters are right-handed.

Replacing Vesia on the NLCS roster is right-hander Brent Honeywell.

Honeywell provides the Dodgers with a reliable multi-inning option, which could be crucial with three consecutive games scheduled once the series moves to New York following Game 2.

“He’s been staying sharp in the sense he’s been pitching to our hitters on off-days,” Roberts said of Honeywell. “He’s still got this finger thing, but he certainly is in the mix, too.”

Rookie right-hander Edgardo Henriquez returned to the roster despite his struggles in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Padres. Similarly, righty Ben Casparius was also included, even though he didn’t see action in the NLDS.

Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Evan Phillips are the main guys in the bullpen moving forward. Behind them, Daniel Hudson and Ryan Brasier add solid depth. Anthony Banda has really stepped up this season for Los Angeles and is the only lefty out of the bullpen for the series.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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