Dodgers Get Major Reinforcement Back Monday as Key Player Returns

The Los Angeles Dodgers are about to get a boost for their shaky bullpen as left-handed reliever Alex Vesia comes off the injured list. He’s been out since late August with a right oblique strain and now rejoins the roster at a pretty critical moment.

The Dodgers have been in a slump, and their relief corps is reeling. Vesia’s return could help steady the ship as they face the Colorado Rockies.

Alex Vesia’s Injury and Road to Recovery

Vesia’s been sidelined since August 23 with that right oblique strain. Oblique injuries are tough for pitchers—they mess with both velocity and control.

But Vesia’s rehab went well, and he looks like he’s coming back at full strength.

Strong Rehab Performances Show Readiness

He made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City on September 3 and September 5. In those outings, he tossed two perfect innings and struck out three batters.

That’s a good sign that his health and command are both in a good place heading into the season’s final stretch.

Before the Injury: Mixed Results, Strong Overall Season

Earlier in August, Vesia hit a rough patch, allowing runs in four straight games. But right before the injury, he bounced back with 2.2 scoreless innings that hinted he was regaining form.

His season stats really show his value to the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Reliable Lefty Arm for Los Angeles

In 59 appearances this season, Vesia has a 2.75 ERA and a sub-1.00 WHIP. Over 52.1 innings, he’s struck out 69 batters and picked up four saves.

Those numbers put him among the Dodgers’ most trustworthy relievers, especially against left-handed hitters in tight games.

Dodgers’ Bullpen Struggles Have Become a Major Concern

While Vesia was out, the Dodgers’ bullpen really struggled. The team has lost seven of its last eight games, and relief pitching has been a big part of the problem.

During that stretch, Dodger relievers posted a 6.95 ERA—worst in the National League and second-worst in baseball over that span.

Costly Meltdowns in Recent Games

The low points came during a tough series against the Baltimore Orioles, when the bullpen blew back-to-back ninth-inning leads. One of those collapses followed starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s brilliant 8.2-inning no-hit performance, which ended without a win for him.

These late-game breakdowns have piled pressure on the Dodgers in a tight playoff race.

Vesia’s Role in Stabilizing the Pen

The Dodgers hope Vesia’s return helps restore some order to a bullpen that’s struggled to protect leads. He’s got the ability to generate strikeouts and keep runners off base, which is exactly what Los Angeles needs right now.

Matchup Against the Colorado Rockies

Vesia should be available right away when the Dodgers face the Colorado Rockies on Monday. That gives manager Dave Roberts another high-leverage option out of the pen.

Facing a Rockies lineup that’s struggled on the road, Vesia’s presence could really matter as the Dodgers look for their first series win in September.

Looking Ahead

With postseason dreams hanging in the balance, Alex Vesia’s return couldn’t come at a more crucial time. The Dodgers need their bullpen to step up, and honestly, Vesia might be just the spark they’ve been missing.

He’s got that steady command and a knack for staying cool when things get tense. That’s something Los Angeles could really use right now.

As the Dodgers try to break out of this rough patch, everyone’s going to keep an eye on Vesia’s role. If he settles in fast and locks down those late innings, maybe—just maybe—the team finds the stability they need for a last push.

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