Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia picks up emotional save on healthcare appreciation night months after his daughter's death

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia took the mound at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night in what — to that point — had been a fantastic game. Thanks to a late RBI single by new addition Kyle Tucker, the Dodgers were clinging to a 2-1 lead. And with regular close Edwin Diaz sidelined with arm fatigue, it fell to Vesia to close things out in the ninth inning.

He rose to the occasion, turning in a dominant performance to pick up his second save of the season. Vesia struck out the side on just 10 pitches and showed some emotion after securing the final out of the contest.

There was a good reason for that. Tuesday was healthcare appreciation night at Dodger Stadium, and some of the staff of healthcare workers who cared for Vesia and his family last October — when his infant daughter Sterling died — were in the stands to support the Dodgers’ reliever.

Those healthcare workers made their presence felt during the contest, as the Dodgers broadcast cut to them after every one of Vesia’s strikeouts. Each time they were shown on the broadcast, the healthcare workers were animatedly cheering for Vesia.

After the game, Vesia nearly started crying when asked about the healthcare workers being at the game.

During an on-field, post-game interview, Vesia pointed to the healthcare workers in the suite and called it a “very emotional day.” He added, “Everyone up there played a very, very, very big part. [My wife] Kay and I are just so happy to be able to share today. For me to get a save, it’s unbelievable.”

Vesia missed the 2025 World Series due to his daughter’s death. With the team still in the thick of the playoffs, Vesia stepped away due to a “deeply personal family matter.” Throughout the series, Vesia was shown support by both the Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, who paid tribute to the reliever on the field during the World Series.

A few days after the World Series ended, Vesia announced the death of his infant daughter Sterling. In his post, Vesia thanked the Dodgers, their fans and the Blue Jays for their actions as he and his family were dealing with the loss.

Vesia returned to pitch for the team this season, and is off to an excellent start. Through 7 1/3 innings, he’s yet to give up a run. He’s struck out nine hitters and picked up two saves early on and credited Dodgers fans for showing support and hyping him up before each appearance.