Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Hopes AAA Stint for Alex Vesia Will Spark Struggling Reliever

He could definitely use a spark.

The Dodgers finally made the move that they likely should have done over a week ago, sending struggling reliever Alex Vesia down to Triple-A.

Vesia just hasn’t been able to get right this season, sporting a 7.84 ERA and 2.81 WHIP in 10.1 innings.

Vesia was sent down to make room for rookie RHP Gavin Stone on the active roster, and the move made sense. Vesia still has options, and he could use some sort of spark. That’s what Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is hoping comes out of this trip.

“Right now he needs to catch his breath,” Roberts said. “He was falling behind a lot to both left and right. He wasn't able to finish guys with the breaking ball or the fastball. Just wasn't as consistent as we need him to be, as we've seen him.”

“I expect him to go out there and enjoy the moment but expect good results because he deserves to be here.” Dave Roberts has nothing but good things to say about Gavin Stone ahead of his MLB debut. pic.twitter.com/g6j9Z2Rp8k

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 3, 2023

Vesia went down in 2021 after struggling, and came back as one of the better lefty relievers in baseball. Roberts was asked if that is a part of the thinking for sending him down this time around.

“This is a surprise for all of us, but this is in the best interest for Alex,” Roberts said. “But when he did go down, he embraced it and got better. And was lights out when he came back.”

So for now, Vesia is going to be in Triple-A trying to get right. He’ll be able to work on getting ahead of counts, and just feeling confident again while on the mound.

He’ll also get to work with the pitch clock more, something he told DodgersNation.com would be a huge adjustment this season. However, Roberts doesn’t want to use that as an excuse for his struggles.

“Possibly,” Roberts said about the pitch clock being a reason for Vesia’s struggles, “but I don't think that's an excuse that Alex would use. I don't see it as a reason.”

Vesia will take as much time as he needs to get back to being himself, but Roberts knows he’s important to the Dodgers.

“I believe that we're still a better ballclub with him on the team.”

We’ll see how long it takes for Vesia to return to the Dodgers’ bullpen.