Alex Vesia threw a bullpen session as did many other Dodgers pitchers on the first official day of workouts at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. Then the veteran left-hander spoke to reporters en masse for the first time since the death of his newborn daughter Sterling in October.
Vesia read a prepared statement for six minutes on Friday, the transcript of which you can read here from Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic and can watch the video here courtesy of SportsNet LA.
“I was not prepared to not bring my baby girl home, but we’re carrying her with us every day,” Vesia said Friday. “It’s been hard, but we’re doing okay.”
“I know his teammates are excited to have him back,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Friday. “Our hearts went out to him and Kayla. You don’t wish that on anyone.”
More on Vesia from Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register and from Jack Harris of The California Post.
Max Muncy’s contract extension signed Thursday has him under contract with the Dodgers through his age-36 season and, if the 2028 club option is exercised, at age 37 as well. He talked to Rowan Kavner at Fox Sports on Friday about staying in Los Angeles.
“I like to be loyal and my relationships mean a lot. I’ve created such a relationship with the staff, the front office, the coaches, the medical and training staff, the clubhouse guys,” Muncy said. I just don’t want to create that somewhere else. Being here for my entire career at this point would mean the world to me, and this gives me the chance to do that.“
One day after getting traded to the Twins, Anthony Banda penned a thank you to Los Angeles on Instagram for his two years in the Dodgers, thanking the city, his teammates, coaches, and fans.
“The last two seasons changed my career,” Banda wrote. “I’ll always be grateful for my time in LA. This chapter meant a lot to me.”
The Tulsa Drillers, the Dodgers’ Double-A affiliate, unveiled a new alternate uniform for this season, with an oil derrick on the cap and honoring Route 66 on the jersey. From the press release: “A reflection of the infamous Route 66 neons, the blue outline imitates the familiar glow.”