Dodgers News: Alex Vesia Feels He Can Replicate Success in 2024 From the Second Half of Last Season

Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia’s rollercoaster of a season ended on a high note last season after some early season struggles. He finished the season on a high note, showing himself to be the pitcher the organization has grown to know.

Vesia finished the season with an ERA of 4.35 over 56 appearances. He will again be relied upon this coming season and feels that he has fixed his mechanics toward the end of last season to find his success.

Looking ahead to this season, Vesia feels he can replicate the second half of 2023.

Last year, Major League Baseball implemented a 30-second timer between batters, a 15-second timer with the bases empty and a 20-second timer with runners on base.

Vesia struggled with his timing. In a story by Rowan Kavner of Fox Sports, the clock affected Vesia the most when it came to the Dodgers’ bullpen.

“Among the Los Angeles Dodgers’ returning pitchers, Alex Vesia was the slowest to the plate last year, averaging 24.5 seconds between pitch releases with the bases empty and 27.5 seconds with runners on base, according to Statcast data. In both cases, he was among the 10 slowest qualified pitchers in baseball.”

Rowan Kavner of Fox Sports

The Dodgers introduced a pitch clock in bullpen sessions beginning in Spring Training, but it didn’t translate for Vesia once the season started. His rhythm was off.

“I do feel that he felt a little sped up, which kind of played into his rhythm between pitches,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s not making excuses; I’m basically telling you what I see.” 

Dave Roberts via Fox Sports

Vesia will need to speed up his routine between pitches just a bit to accommodate this year’s new rules, but if he says he’s comfortable, the Dodgers have to trust him until he proves otherwise.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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