Dodgers Family Matters: Behind the World Series Roster Moves

As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series, the team's roster decisions reveal a story that extends far beyond baseball—one where personal circumstances, strategic calculations, and the human element of America's pastime intersect in unexpected ways.

A Personal Emergency Reshapes the Bullpen

The most striking roster move heading into Game 1 involves Alex Vesia, one of the Dodgers' most reliable relievers throughout the 2025 season. Vesia has been removed from the World Series roster due to "a deeply personal family matter," according to a team statement released Thursday.

Vesia's absence is significant. His 68 appearances during the regular season ranked second on the team, and his 3.02 ERA was among the best for Dodgers relievers who pitched in at least 23 games. According to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, the Dodgers can place Vesia on the family medical emergency list, which would allow him to return and be added to the roster as soon as Game 3, though it remains unclear if the team has made that move.

In Vesia's place, the Dodgers have added Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein to bolster their bullpen depth. Ben Casparius was also removed from the roster, while Tanner Scott—who missed the National League Championship Series with an injury—was not reinstated.

The Human Side of Professional Baseball

The Dodgers' roster decisions underscore an often-overlooked reality: professional athletes are people first, with families, relationships, and personal challenges that don't pause for playoff baseball. This theme resonates throughout the organization, from the players on the field to the families supporting them from the stands.

The team's family dynamics extend well beyond crisis management. According to People magazine's comprehensive look at Dodgers families, multiple players are experiencing significant personal milestones. Kiké Hernández and his wife Mariana Vicente Hernández, a former Miss Universe Puerto Rico and actress, recently announced they're expecting their second child in 2026. Tommy Edman and his wife Kristen are also awaiting their second child, having announced the pregnancy in September.

Balancing Baseball and Family Life

Catcher Will Smith and his wife Cara Martinell Smith welcomed their second daughter, Layton, in October 2024, just weeks before the playoffs began. The couple, who met at the University of Louisville, have channeled their success into philanthropy, launching the Catching Hope Foundation in 2021 "to help underprivileged children with critical skills needed for leadership, self-advocacy, and self-sufficiency."

Shohei Ohtani, the team's superstar two-way player, welcomed his first child—a daughter—in April 2025 with his wife, former Japanese basketball player Mamiko Tanaka. "I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy beautiful daughter," Ohtani wrote on Instagram at the time.

Kershaw's Final Curtain Call

Perhaps the most sentimental roster inclusion is future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. At 37 years old and facing retirement after this season, Kershaw struggled in his only playoff appearance, allowing four earned runs over two innings. Yet manager Dave Roberts made the veteran part of the roster for what will be the final series of his illustrious career.

The decision reflects the Dodgers' organizational philosophy: recognizing that championships are built not just on statistics and matchups, but on honoring the people who helped create the culture of excellence.

Financial Realities and Championship Aspirations

While the Dodgers face criticism for their $350 million payroll—with some accusing president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman of "ruining baseball"—the reality is more nuanced. As The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham argues, the Dodgers should be praised, not criticized, for their pursuit of excellence and willingness to invest in winning.

"The man who's ruining baseball held a press conference before Game 1 of the World Series," Abraham wrote with tongue firmly in cheek. "Or at least that's what Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has been accused of since he pushed the team's payroll to $350 million."

Manager Dave Roberts has playfully leaned into the narrative after his team swept the Brewers to win the National League Championship Series, demonstrating the organization's confidence in their approach.

Blue Jays Counter with Their Own Family Story

The Blue Jays bring their own compelling narratives to the Fall Classic. Bo Bichette's return from a knee injury sustained on September 6 provides a significant boost. The two-time All-Star told reporters this week he would be "ready" for the World Series after missing both the ALDS and ALCS.

Bichette's rehabilitation journey involved not just physical recovery but mental preparation for baseball's biggest stage. His return gives Toronto manager John Schneider lineup flexibility, potentially moving Andrés Giménez to second base and reuniting the middle infield that excelled during the regular season.

A Lighthearted Moment Before Battle

In a moment that captured the competitive spirit mixed with humor, Blue Jays manager Schneider joked that Ohtani should return the merchandise he received during Toronto's free agency pitch in 2023. The superstar ultimately signed with the Dodgers, but apparently kept the Blue Jays swag.

"He found me on social media and sent a message congratulating me on my performance," Mariana Vicente Hernández recalled about meeting her future husband Kiké after her role in Hot Tub Time Machine 2. It's a reminder that even in professional sports' highest-stakes moments, personal connections and human stories provide the foundation for everything that happens on the field.

The Stakes Beyond Statistics

As Blake Snell prepares to start Game 1 against Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage at Rogers Centre, the roster moves and family circumstances remind us that baseball championships are won by organizations, not just lineups. The Dodgers' 12 pitchers and 13 position players (plus Ohtani) represent not just a collection of elite talent, but a community of families, relationships, and personal journeys.

Sports Illustrated's J.P. Hoornstra noted that some within the Giants organization were frustrated with Blake Snell's decision to skip his final start in San Francisco last season before opting out and signing with the Dodgers. Yet Snell credits Giants ace Logan Webb with helping him develop the approach that has made him dominant this postseason, demonstrating how professional relationships transcend team allegiances.

Conclusion

The 2025 World Series showcases elite baseball, but the story behind the Dodgers' roster reveals something deeper: the intersection of personal life, professional excellence, and organizational values. From Vesia's family emergency to Kershaw's farewell tour, from growing families to strategic roster construction, these decisions reflect a fundamental truth about sports at the highest level—the people matter as much as the performance.

As the series unfolds, the baseball world will focus on Ohtani's dual-threat abilities, Freeman's clutch hitting, and the pitching matchups that could decide a championship. But behind every at-bat and every pitch is a family story, a personal journey, and a human being navigating the extraordinary pressure of baseball's biggest stage. The Dodgers' approach—investing heavily in talent while making space for personal circumstances—may be their most important competitive advantage of all.