Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife Kayla announced on social media Friday that the couple’s infant daughter died Oct. 26.
Vesia, a key member of the Dodgers’ bullpen, was not included on the team’s World Series roster because of what the club described as a “deeply personal family matter.” The Vesias were due to have their first child in October.
In an Instagram post, Alex Vesia thanked a Los Angeles-area hospital for its care for both his wife and his daughter Sterling.
“Our little angel, we love you forever and you’re with us always,” Vesia said. “Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday October 26th. There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through, but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her.”
Dodgers and Blue Jays pitchers had Vesia’s No. 51 on their caps at various points during the World Series.
“Thank you to the Dodgers for their understanding and support during this time,” Vesia wrote. “Our baseball family showed up for us, and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them. Thank you Dodger Nation, (the) Blue Jays organization and all baseball fans for your love and support.”
Without Vesia, the Dodgers added right-handers Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein to their World Series roster. Klein made two World Series appearances, including on Oct. 27 when he held the Blue Jays scoreless over the final four innings of Game 3 in the Dodgers’ 18-inning 6-5 victory.
