Amid World Series, Blue Jays relievers join Dodgers in wearing tribute to absent LA pitcher Vesia

Blue Jays Join Dodgers in Tribute to Alex Vesia During World Series

The Toronto Blue Jays have joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in honoring Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia during the World Series. Vesia is currently away from the team due to a “deeply personal family matter,” according to a Dodgers statement posted on social media before Game 1.

“Pitchers on the Dodgers have been playing with Vesia’s No. 45 in a show of solidarity.”

Following this example, Blue Jays relievers Chris Bassitt, Seranthony Domínguez, Mason Fluharty, and Louis Varland have also started wearing number 45 during games to pay tribute to Vesia.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia pitching against Milwaukee Brewers
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia during the seventh inning in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt pitching against LA Dodgers in World Series
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt pitching during the ninth inning in Game 6 of the World Series. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)
Mason Fluharty and catcher Alejandro Kirk on mound during World Series
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Mason Fluharty and catcher Alejandro Kirk discuss on the mound during the eighth inning of Game 6 in the World Series. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)

This show of respect by both teams highlights the close-knit nature of baseball players even during high-stakes competition.

Author’s summary: During the World Series, Blue Jays relievers joined the Dodgers in wearing Alex Vesia’s number to honor the absent Dodgers pitcher amid a family emergency.

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AP News AP News — 2025-11-02

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