Dodgers Analyst Thinks Alex Vesia is Key to Bullpen Success
As the Dodgers have one of the worst bullpens in baseball (but improving), there are some relief pitchers having especially disappointing seasons. Some guys are not performing at their best, and the most notable pitcher is Alex Vesia.
Vesia has been sent down to the minor leagues twice after beginning the season in the majors. The lefty started the season with a 7.84 ERA and only had six scoreless innings in 13 appearances. This came as a shock to many as Vesia was one of the best pieces out of the Dodgers bullpen last season. In 2022, the lefty had a 2.15 ERA and held batters to a .187 average.
When Vesia came back from Oklahoma City on May 2, his struggles continued. Through the month of June he had a 6.75 ERA and only had a scoreless outing in half of his appearances.
Currently, Vesia is spending his time in Triple-A. As Phil Bickford came back from injury, Vesia was sent down in a corresponding move.
Dodgers broadcaster, Jose Mota, told Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation that he believes if the Dodgers bullpen is going to have any success late in the season and the playoffs, they’re going to need Vesia to be better.
“One guy that, to me, is clutch here, is Alex Vesia,” Mota said. “He’s the one guy that just needs to go out there and be himself again and trust it. Ball comes out, trust it. Don’t overthrow it. Stay clean mechanically. … But I think, overall, he’s a key cog here.”
Via Dodgers Nation Youtube
Unfortunately for the Dodgers and Vesia, the pitcher is struggling in Triple-A as well. In 10 games split between his first and second stint in the minors, Vesia has a 4.66 ERA and is averaging 1.5 runners on base per inning.
The Dodgers are going to have to do something soon to either get Vesia back to the pitcher he was last year, or find someone to replace him.
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