The Los Angeles Dodgers are trending to be without one of their top bullpen arms when they open the NLCS against the New York Mets on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that left-hander Alex Vesia is “highly unlikely” to be on the team’s roster for the series as he deals with an intercostal injury.
Vesia left Game 5 of Los Angeles’ NLDS win over the San Diego Padres early with the injury.
The 28-year-old posted a 1.76 ERA with 87 strikeouts and 33 walks over 66.1 innings for the Dodgers this season. He served as the team’s top left-handed relief option and continued to throw well against San Diego. Over three appearances this post-season, Vesia allowed just one hit and no runs.
The Mets’ lineup isn’t overly left-handed, but does feature Brandon Nimmo and Jesse Winker and could be getting Jeff McNeil back for the NLCS.