Dodgers Face Unexpected Twist as Star Pitcher Vesia Hits Injury Snag, While Snell’s Surprise Return Sparks Speculation

Here’s something that caught my eye out of Los Angeles — Dodgers’ bullpen took a slight hit as Alex Vesia was placed on the injured list due to a right oblique strain, effective retroactively from August 23. Now, Vesia hasn’t just been warming the bench; his stats—3 wins, 2 losses, and a solid 2.75 ERA across 59 outings—tell a story of a reliever who’s been a real asset this season. Oddly enough, he mentioned the discomfort sneaked up a few days back without any sudden tugs or alarming aches, which kind of gives you a bit of hope that this might be more about rest than anything serious. And he’s optimistic, too, seeing this two-week hiatus as just the right breather ahead of the season’s crucial stretch—a chance to recharge rather than just recover. Rest, after all, can be a hidden weapon in this game. Meanwhile, there’s a silver lining for the Dodgers as Blake Snell is back in the fold, ready to take the mound against Arizona after his short paternity leave celebrating the birth of his second child. Snell’s been steady — 3-2 with a pristine 1.97 ERA in six starts — adding some welcome depth to that pitching rotation. It’s a dynamic few days in LA, with some ups and downs but plenty to keep an eye on going forward.

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LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia went on the injured list with a right oblique strain.

The move was retroactive to Aug. 23.

Vesia is 3-2 with a 2.75 ERA in 59 appearances this season.

“I felt it a couple days ago,” he said. “There was no pull or grab or anything that like made me concerned.”

Vesia said he’s confident the two-week IL stint will take care of it, as well as give him a breather before the stretch run begins.

“The rest is a good thing,” he said.

The Dodgers reinstated right-hander Blake Snell, who will make his next scheduled start against Arizona. He was on the paternity list after his wife gave birth to their second child. Snell is 3-2 with a 1.97 ERA in six starts this season.