Dodgers Face Uphill Battle in Toronto as Bullpen Honors Absent Teammate

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ quest to repeat as World Series champions hit a critical setback Wednesday night, as they suffered a lopsided loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 5 at Dodger Stadium. The defeat put Los Angeles behind 3–2 in the best-of-seven series, forcing them to win two straight games on the road to keep their title defense alive.

After a promising start to the series, the Dodgers’ momentum faded with consecutive losses at home, including the Game 5 blowout that left their fans stunned and their pitching staff searching for answers. The offense, which had been steady through the early part of the postseason, faltered against Toronto’s deep bullpen, managing only scattered hits and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

The loss means the Dodgers must now return to Canada, where a raucous Rogers Centre crowd awaits. Friday night’s Game 6 represents an elimination scenario for Los Angeles — a team accustomed to performing under pressure but now facing the daunting task of two road wins to secure another championship.

Manager Dave Roberts and his players emphasized resilience after the game, pointing to the team’s history of responding well in must-win moments. “This group’s been through a lot,” Roberts said. “We’ve battled back before, and we’ll be ready to fight again.”

1. A Team United Behind Alex Vesia

While the Dodgers’ immediate focus is survival, the team continues to play with a deeper purpose — honoring reliever Alex Vesia, who has missed the entire World Series due to a family matter. In a quiet but powerful gesture, Los Angeles’ bullpen staff had Vesia’s number, 51, embroidered on their hats as a sign of solidarity and support. “Dating back to while we were still in Toronto, we had tried to think of many ways to show our love and support for him and his family,” said reliever Evan Phillips. “Just acknowledging that we really miss them, and baseball is completely secondary to what they’re going through.” Vesia’s absence has left an emotional and competitive void. Known for his energy, consistency, and clubhouse presence, the left-hander has been a key figure in the Dodgers’ bullpen the past two seasons. His ability to stabilize the middle innings and his infectious enthusiasm have made him a favorite among teammates. “He’s the same guy every day, regardless of how he performs or how the team performs,” said pitcher Jack Dreyer. “He brings energy that you can’t measure on a stat sheet. We definitely miss him, but we’re just hoping he and Kayla are doing OK.”

2. Regrouping After a Grueling Stretch

The Dodgers’ recent struggles followed an emotional high earlier in the series — an 18-inning marathon that ended with a Freddie Freeman walk-off home run. That win appeared to swing momentum in Los Angeles’ favor, but the subsequent games told a different story. Fatigue, bullpen wear, and Toronto’s relentless hitting combined to turn the tide. In Games 4 and 5, the Dodgers’ pitching staff allowed a combined 15 runs, as command issues and defensive lapses compounded their troubles. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays continued to thrive under the pressure, led by consistent performances from their young stars and dominant relief pitching. Los Angeles’ lineup, anchored by Mookie Betts and Freeman, will need to rediscover its rhythm to have any chance of extending the series. The team’s power bats, largely quiet since returning home, must deliver in Toronto’s hitter-friendly park to keep the season alive. Despite the setback, the Dodgers remain confident in their ability to respond. “We’ve been in tough spots before,” Freeman said after the loss. “It’s about staying together, playing our game, and trusting that we can turn things around.”

3. Facing Elimination in Toronto

The Dodgers’ path to back-to-back championships now runs through two elimination games north of the border — an environment that has proven difficult for visiting teams throughout the postseason. With the series shifting back to Toronto, Los Angeles must overcome both the Blue Jays’ momentum and one of baseball’s most electric fan bases. Game 6 on Friday night presents the first test, with first pitch scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. A win would push the series to a decisive Game 7, where the Dodgers’ experience and championship pedigree could once again be tested on the biggest stage. For now, the message within the clubhouse is simple: play for each other — and for Vesia. His presence may be missing in person, but teammates say his spirit continues to guide them through every inning. As the Dodgers prepare for their toughest challenge yet, they’ll lean on their depth, leadership, and the motivation of unfinished business to try and force one final game.