Dodgers’ Alex Vesia Breaks Silence on Tragic Loss of Infant Daughter

PHOENIX — Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia opened up Friday for the first time since the heart-wrenching loss of his newborn daughter during last year’s World Series. Speaking for just over six minutes, Vesia delivered a poignant statement, filled with emotion.

During his address, Vesia expressed gratitude towards the Dodgers for their unwavering support and acknowledged the solace found in the condolences from many. He also shared that he and his wife have been attending therapy sessions to cope with their grief, urging others who have faced similar tragedies to seek help as well.

“We’ve learned from this experience that life can change in the blink of an eye,” Vesia stated, reading from his phone while pausing to manage his emotions. “Sterling Sol was the most beautiful girl in the world, and though our time with her was heartbreakingly brief, we cherished every moment—holding her, changing her, reading to her, and loving her. Kay and I will treasure those memories privately. I ask that you empathize and honor our privacy as we heal and navigate the challenges of a baseball season.”

“Leaving my team and the brothers I battle with daily was tough,” he continued, “but it was a decision I had to make for my family. We watched every World Series pitch, and in many ways, it was a beacon of light during our darkest times.”

Vesia, an essential part of the Dodgers’ bullpen, was removed from the roster before the World Series in late October as he and his wife, Kayla, expected their child. Tragically, their daughter Sterling Sol passed away two days later as the series moved from Toronto to Los Angeles. In Game 6, all Blue Jays relievers wore Vesia’s No. 51 on their caps, and his bullpen teammates marked the number throughout the series, which concluded with the Dodgers emerging victorious in a closely fought seven-game battle.

The NFL’s Los Angeles Rams later gifted Vesia a jersey signed by the entire team, with his daughter’s name emblazoned on the back. Vesia said he will soon hang it on a wall in his house.

“The outpouring of love and support Kay and I have had over the past few months has been unmatched,” he said. “We’re both grateful to not only Dodger nation but the fans worldwide. My DMs, messages — my DMs are basically broken on Instagram from all the love and support that we’ve had. I’ve tried to read all the comments and everything just because it’s meant the world, really.”

Vesia, 29, arrived in Arizona in early November and immediately began to work out. He called the gym his “mental clarity.” Shortly thereafter, he began his throwing program. On Friday, ahead of the Dodgers’ first official workout of spring training, Vesia threw a bullpen session from the team’s complex at Camelback Ranch.

“Being around the guys again, preparing for spring training, it’s been really nice,” Vesia said. “Gotten a lot of love so far in the clubhouse, and being able to laugh and joke around — that’s been really nice for me.”

Vesia has been one of the Dodgers’ most trusted relievers over the past five years, putting up a 2.67 ERA in 295 regular-season appearances since his first full season in 2021 — not to mention a 1.86 ERA in 19 playoff innings. That will continue in 2026, even after the offseason acquisition of star closer Edwin Diaz.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spent about a half hour chatting with Vesia on Thursday and believes returning to baseball will be “therapeutic.” Six weeks before reporting, Vesia and his wife began to see a therapist. He said it “hasn’t been easy, but talking to someone has made a difference.”

“I’ve learned that what has happened to us has also happened to so many families,” Vesia added. “And realizing that has deepened our empathy and our gratitude for this community. The baseball community is extremely strong. I was not prepared to not bring my baby girl home, but we’re carrying her with us every day. It’s been hard, but we’re doing OK.”