LOS ANGELES — Dodgers pitcher Alex Veciawho missed the World Series due to what the team then called a “deeply personal family matter,” said Friday that his daughter Sterling had died.
“Our little angel, we love you forever, and you are always with us,” Vesya and his wife Kayla. said on Instagram in a post that included a photo of a baby holding hands with adults. “Our beautiful daughter went to heaven on Sunday, October 26th. There are no words to describe the pain we are experiencing, but we hold her in our hearts and appreciate every second we spend with her.”
Vecia went 4-2 with a 3.02 ERA in 68 regular-season games and 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in seven postseason appearances. The team announced on October 23, the day before the first game against Blue Jaysthat he was not with the team in Toronto.
Dodgers pitchers wore Vesey's number 51 on their caps as a tribute to their absent teammate. Blue Jays pitchers join them in tribute for game 6.
Vecia and his wife thanked the medical staff at Cedars Sinai Medical Center for caring for their family. They also thanked both teams for their understanding and support.
“Our baseball family came to us and we couldn’t have done this without them,” Vesias wrote. “Thank you to Dodger Nation, the Blue Jays organization and all baseball fans for your love and support. We have seen ALL of your messages, comments and posts. It brought us so much comfort.”
The Dodgers defeated the Blue Jays in seven games for their second straight World Series championship.
“The MLBPA sends its love and support to Alex and Kayla Vecia during this difficult time,” MLB Players Union. says the statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Dodgers community.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
