Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2025

While Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates came back from the IL this past weekend, Alex Vesia was put on the IL with a right oblique strain.

There is no word on the severity of the oblique strain. Oblique strains can be tricky. The Dodgers and Vesia hope he will return to the active roster before the 2025 season.

Before Tuesday, Vesia, Jack Dreyer, Anthony Banda, and Ben Casparius are the only relievers who haven’t been on the IL at any time during the 2025 season.

Vesia was the most consistent Dodger reliever this year. While the Dodgers made headlines when they signed Tanner Scott to a four-year $72 million contract and added Kirby Yates, Vesia is the one who has held the bullpen together.

In 59 games, Vesia has a 2.75 ERA with 3 wins, 2 losses, 4 saves, and 69 strikeouts. The Dodgers cannot replace Vesia, but they hope another reliever will take his spot.

Since the All-Star break, Banda has been superb. In 61 appearances, Banda has no wins and 5 losses with a 3.36 ERA and 51 strikeouts.

The Dodgers hope Brock Stewart can return this season. After coming to the Dodgers from the Minnesota Twins, Stewart, with right shoulder inflammation, went on the IL.

Since Blake Treinen returned from a three-month stint with the IL with a right forearm sprain, he hasn’t been as dominant as his usual self. In his last two outings, he began looking like his old dominant self.

Jack Dreyer and Ben Casparius have had great rookie seasons. With Vesia out, they will have more significant roles. Since Edgardo Henriquez joined the team, he has been fantastic.

Evan Phillips is out until the 2027 season with Tommy John surgery. The likelihood of Brusdar Graterol returning in the 2025 season is slim.

The Dodgers need Scott and Yates to step up in Vesia’s absence. At least, in August, the starting rotation has been awesome.