Dodgers High Leverage Reliever May Miss the World Series

Dodgers Reliever Alex Vesia Away from Team Ahead of World Series

A Murky Future

Manager Dave Roberts is unsure if Vesia will be available for the upcoming series. The Dodgers are trying to figure out what their options are regarding the roster and how Vesia’s situation impacts the roster as a whole. He called the potential roster moves “…a secondary issue,” per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

A Dependable Closer

This is a blow to the versatility of a bullpen that has been shaky down the stretch of the regular season.  Their collective ERA is close to 4.50. To make matters worse, the relief corps has blown 26 late leads. However, Vesia is one of the more dependable arms. Despite spending some time on the injured list with a finicky shoulder, the left-hander is high on Roberts’ “trust tree.” Thus far in the postseason, the occasional closer has a 2-0 record, with a  3.86 ERA and four strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. As expected, Vesia is good at getting left-handed batters out, but has been effective against right-handers most of the time. The Toronto Blue Jays’ batting order is predominantly right-handed, however.

What Happens Now?

The Dodgers have yet to announce their roster. But if Vesia is unable to pitch, it might leave the door open for Tanner Scott, who had to be removed from the Division Series roster due to an abscess. He has missed most of the Division Series and the National League Championship Series due to MLB rules. As a result, Scott, who has struggled this season with ten blown saves, has yet to pitch in the postseason.

The Dodgers, who pride themselves on their versatility, will have to adjust one more time if they want to win it all.