Alex Vesia Strikes Out Shohei Ohtani in Spring Debut, Returns to Dodgers with Heavy Heart and Renewed Purpose
Spring training is all about fresh starts, and for Alex Vesia, 2026 is about more than just getting back on the mound. The Dodgers left-hander made his return to live action in a big way, striking out Shohei Ohtani-yes, that Shohei Ohtani-during his first live batting practice session of the spring. The crowd let out a smattering of applause, but it was Vesia’s own emotional “YEAH” that echoed loudest, a moment of triumph after months of unimaginable heartbreak.
As fans cheered louder when he wrapped up his bullpen session, it was clear this was more than just baseball. It was a welcome back for a player who’s been through something no one should have to endure.
Vesia hasn’t pitched for the Dodgers since the 2025 NLCS. He missed the World Series for the most personal of reasons-he and his wife, Kayla, suffered the devastating loss of their daughter, Sterling Sol.
In his first public comments since returning to the team, Vesia opened up about the journey he and Kayla have been on. What followed wasn’t just a statement-it was a heartfelt expression of love, pain, resilience, and community.
“The amount of support you’ve given Kay and I has been overwhelming in the best way,” Vesia said. “We’re beyond grateful to be a part of the organization and this family.”
He thanked the Dodgers front office, the coaching staff, and his teammates for standing by him. But the gratitude didn’t stop there.
Vesia also gave a nod to the Toronto Blue Jays, who quietly honored his daughter during the World Series. When he noticed the number 51 on Louie Varland’s cap, he texted Louie’s brother, Gus, for confirmation.
The response?
“The Varlands love you, dude. The whole Toronto bullpen has it too.
It’s bigger than baseball. We love y’all.”
That moment hit home for Vesia and Kayla, who were watching the World Series from afar. It was a powerful reminder that the baseball community stretches far beyond the lines of the diamond.
And that support has come from everywhere. Vesia mentioned the overwhelming messages on social media, the signed jersey from the L.A. Rams, and the countless gestures from fans and players alike.
“My DMs are basically broken on Instagram from all the love and support that we’ve had,” he said. “It’s meant the world, really.”
He also shared a deeply personal reflection on the short but meaningful time he and Kayla had with their daughter.
“Sterling Sol was the most beautiful girl in the world. We got to hold her, change her diaper, read to her, and love her. Our time together was far too short.”
Vesia emphasized the importance of mental health, revealing that he and Kayla began therapy six weeks ago. He encouraged others going through loss or hardship to seek help, to talk, and to know they’re not alone.
“Please don’t be afraid to speak up. Your mental health matters.”
It’s clear that Vesia is still healing, still processing, but also finding strength in the game and the people around him. Being back with his teammates, he said, has been therapeutic. The clubhouse laughter, the routines, even the grind of spring training-it’s all part of the road back.
What’s Next for Vesia on the Field?
On the baseball side of things, the Dodgers are counting on Vesia to be a key piece of their bullpen puzzle in 2026. He’s been a reliable arm since joining the team in 2021, and his numbers last season speak for themselves: a 3.02 ERA in 68 appearances, 80 strikeouts in just under 60 innings, and a WHIP under 1.000 for the second straight year.
That kind of production from the left side is hard to come by, and with the Dodgers looking to shore up a bullpen that faltered late in 2025, Vesia’s presence looms large. He’s one of several lefties in the mix, but his experience and poise under pressure give him a leg up.
And let’s not overlook the fact that he just struck out the best player in baseball to kick off spring training. That’s not just a confidence boost-it’s a signal that Vesia is locked in, both mentally and physically.
He’s got over a month to get fully ramped up before Opening Day, but if this early outing is any indication, Vesia is ready to reclaim his role as one of the Dodgers’ most trusted bullpen arms.
Bigger Than Baseball
There are moments in sports that transcend the game. Alex Vesia’s return is one of them.
It’s a story of grief, of resilience, of community-and yes, of baseball. But more than anything, it’s a reminder that even in the most competitive, high-stakes environments, humanity still matters most.
Vesia isn’t just back to pitch. He’s back to heal, to compete, and to carry the memory of his daughter with him every step of the way. And if the early signs are any indication, he’s going to do it with the same fire and heart that’s always defined his game.