Overview
- Dodgers pitchers displayed No. 51 on their caps in Game 3 to salute absent reliever Alex Vesia, with Clayton Kershaw noting the bullpen wanted to honor a valued teammate.
- Los Angeles edged Toronto 6-5 in 18 innings to take a 2-1 World Series lead as the team navigated a stretched bullpen without Vesia.
- The Dodgers announced on Oct. 23 that Vesia is away as he and his wife, Kayla, face a “deeply personal family matter,” offering support and saying updates will come later.
- President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the team declined the Family Medical Emergency List to avoid any pressure to return, which would have set a minimum three-day window.
- Manager Dave Roberts said it is unlikely Vesia will pitch in the series; the left-hander was a key late-inning option this season and the couple previously shared they are expecting a baby girl.