Dodgers lose World Series-winning pitcher to IL, but get back two-time Cy Young winner

Vesia was one of the few Dodgers pitchers who had avoided the injured list until now. Only Anthony Banda has made more appearances than Vesia, who has gotten into 59 contests. He owns a 2.75 earned run average while striking out 33% of opponents across 52 1/3 frames. Vesia has collected four saves and recorded a career-best 21 holds.

It’s his second straight excellent season. The southpaw allowed only 1.76 earned runs per nine behind a matching 33% strikeout rate over 67 appearances last year. Between that performance and injuries to Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott, Vesia has been Dave Roberts’ most trusted reliever of late. He has pitched in the highest-leverage situations of any L.A. bullpen arm in the second half.

Scott and Yates recently returned to join Blake Treinen and Ben Casparius in the late innings. Vesia’s injury isn’t quite as significant for the Dodgers as it would’ve been a week or two ago. Still, it’s suboptimal to lose one of their best relievers for at least two weeks as they cling to a one-game lead on San Diego in the NL West.