The Dodgers announced Thursday pitcher Alex Vesia was away from the team amid a “deeply personal family matter.”
WASHINGTON — Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia will miss at least the start of the World Series because of a “deeply personal family matter.”
It was announced Thursday that Vesia was not with the team in Toronto, a day before Game 1. On Friday, the team released its 26-man roster for the World Series, which did not include Vesia.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we share that Alex Vesia is away from the team as he and his wife Kayla navigate a deeply personal family matter,” The Dodgers said in a statement on social media Thursday. “The entire Dodgers organization is sending our thoughts to the Vesia family, and we will provide an update at a later date.”
No further details about Vesia’s absence were released. Vesia and his wife, Kayla, have been expecting their first child.
Vesia went 4-2 with a 3.02 ERA in 68 regular-season games. He is 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in seven postseason appearances.
According to MLB.com, another option for the team had been placing Vesia on the family medical emergency list, which would allow him to spend three to seven days away before possibly returning to the team. CBS Sports reports it’s unclear whether he was placed on the family medical emergency list or left off the roster completely.
Asked whether Vesia would definitely not be on the roster for the best-of-seven series against the AL champion Blue Jays, Manager Dave Roberts said Thursday he didn’t know for sure.
“Honestly, I think we’re just going day to day with really no expectations,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers are looking to become the first team to win back-to-back World Series’ since the New York Yankees won three straight from 1998-2000.
When does the World Series start?
Game 1 of the World Series is on Friday at Rodgers Centre in Toronto. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern (5 p.m. Pacific) on Fox.
What is the World Series schedule?
Game 1: Friday, Oct. 24 in Toronto
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 25 in Toronto
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 27 in Los Angeles
Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 28 in Los Angeles
Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, Oct. 29 in Los Angeles
Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, Oct. 31 in Toronto
Game 7 (if necessary): Saturday, Nov. 1 in Toronto
First pitch for each game is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.