Dodgers' Vesia Returns for Opening Day After Loss

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia returned to Dodger Stadium for the team's 2026 opening day on Thursday, marking a bittersweet milestone five months after the death of his newborn daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia. The Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-2 in the season opener, though Vesia did not pitch, watching from the bullpen as his teammates secured the victory.

Vesia's wife, Kayla, attended the game and shared her emotions on Instagram, posting a photo of herself in front of a stadium sign. "A very bittersweet opening day," she wrote. "What I would give to have my Sterling girl here, carrying her in my heart always. I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH!!" Vesia responded in the comments with three red heart emojis and later added, "You're making our babygirl so proud. I love you!" Earlier that evening, Vesia posted his own photos from the field, captioning them: "Same goals different perspectives new motivations. Thankful for everyone who has stuck by me. Dodger Nation gonna bring the energy. Im going to make you proud SSV." The initials SSV refer to their daughter's name, Sterling Sol Vesia.

The couple announced Sterling's death on November 7, 2025, revealing she had...