Dodgers reliever thanks Blue Jays bullpen for heartfelt gesture during World Series

There was a notable absence in the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen during the World Series. Alex Vesia, who had been arguably one of the Dodger's most reliable relievers through the first three rounds of the playoffs left the team due to a family emergency, and didn't return as Vesia and his wife Kay lost their newborn daughter Sterling Sol.

Vesia spoke candidly to reporters at Dodgers camp about what he and his family have been going through over the past few months, and one of the things he mentioned was having the utmost respect for the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen.

Dodgers reliever thanks Blue Jays bullpen for heartfelt gesture during World Series

During the series, Dodgers relievers showed their support for Vesia by wearing hats that had the number 51 (Vesia's jersey number) stitched into the side. The Blue Jays followed suit and Vesia says he was awestruck by the comradderie and support shown by Dodgers' World Series opponents.

"When Kay and I were watching the World Series, we noticed that there was [No.] 51 on Louis Varland's hat," Vesia said. "I immediately texted Gus Varland, his brother, and I asked him if I was seeing that correctly. He texted me back right away and he said, 'The Varlands love you, dude. The whole Toronto bullpen has it, too. It's bigger than baseball. We love you all.'

"Kay and I, we were very emotional. We were super overwhelmed with emotion and the baseball community, the relationships that you make along the way -- it showed that it's much bigger than baseball."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provide similar sentiments, saying, "What the Blue Jays did speaks to the fraternity of baseball. It's life first."

Vesia has talked a lot about mental health in the weeks and months following the tragic situation and says he and his wife are going through therapy as they process the grief. Vesia says, "It hasn't been easy, but talking to someone, it has made a difference. For those out there who've lost a child or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this, please seek help. Talk to somebody. It's definitely helped Kay and I. Please don't be afraid to speak up. Your mental health matters."

During the World Series, Blue Jays manager John Schneider was asked about his players wearing those specialized hats and he said, "I think we have a lot of good people, a lot of good humans, in there that are husbands, fathers and all of that kind of stuff, who just appreciate what we do and the hardships that come with it."

Vesia has fully joined in with his Dodgers teammates in camp and is ramping up for the 2026 season. He says his physical work has helped give himsome mental clarity and being back around the team has lifted his spirits, while looking ahead to brighter days with the new season on the horizon.