As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up to start the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, manager Dave Roberts met with reporters at Rogers Centre to talk about roster decisions, bullpen depth, and the team’s mindset heading into Game 1.

The biggest storyline entering the Fall Classic is the absence of left-handed reliever Alex Vesia, who was left off the Dodgers’ World Series roster due to a personal situation. Roberts confirmed that Vesia’s absence will likely extend through the series.

“You know what, I think that’s probably the most likely,” Roberts said. “Unless something unforeseen happens, that’s kind of what we’re anticipating. Baseball’s certainly on the back burner right now, and we just felt this was the right way to handle it.”

Vesia’s absence leaves a significant gap in Los Angeles’ bullpen, particularly against a right-handed-heavy Blue Jays lineup. However, Roberts expressed complete confidence in the arms available, emphasizing the depth and versatility of his relievers.

“We have a lot of viable options,” he said. “I trust all the guys. Someone will have to step up, but Alex is certainly going to be missed.”

In response to the change, the Dodgers added right-hander Edgardo Henriquez and reliever Will Klein to the World Series roster. Roberts praised both pitchers, noting their pitch mixes and potential to neutralize Toronto’s aggressive bats.

“Will’s got a plus fastball, a good curveball, good slider—it’s stuff these guys haven’t seen,” Roberts explained. “Edgardo’s got velocity, a slider, a sinker, and a cutter. We’re hoping those looks can help keep a few of their right-handers at bay.”

When asked about Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has been one of the hottest hitters this postseason, Roberts stressed the importance of limiting traffic ahead of him.

“He’s one of the best hitters in the game,” Roberts said. “You’ve just got to really lock in on the first couple of guys and keep runners off base when he comes up.”

On the pitching side, Roberts also discussed the matchup between Toronto’s low-whiff offense and Los Angeles’ high-strikeout rotation, noting that quality execution early in counts will be key.

“They’re aggressive early, and with two strikes, they find a way to put the ball in play,” Roberts said. “We’ve got to make quality pitches early in the count—that’s what it boils down to.”

Roberts also reflected briefly on his comments following last year’s World Series championship, when he told fans to “get ready to run this thing back.”

“There’s no pressure,” he said with a smile. “Our only focus is winning tonight. That’s all we care about. It’s a big game, a fun crowd, and our guys are prepared.”

While the Dodgers’ manager maintained his composure in front of the cameras, his message was clear: the Dodgers are confident, motivated, and focused solely on the task at hand. Fueled by Vesia’s absence and the challenge of defending their title, the Dodgers head into the 2025 World Series determined to complete the job once again.