will klein

Will Klein Joins Dodgers’ World Series Roster: What It Means for the Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a pivotal move ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 World Series, adding hard-throwing right-hander Will Klein to their roster in a strategic bullpen shuffle. This decision, confirmed by MLB.com and other verified sources, signals a shift in the team’s pitching strategy as they face the Toronto Blue Jays in a high-stakes series. Here’s what you need to know about the move, its context, and what it could mean for the Dodgers’ championship hopes.

The Big News: Klein In, Vesia and Scott Out

On Friday, just hours before the World Series opener at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, the Dodgers officially set their 26-man roster. The headline move? Will Klein and fellow right-hander Edgardo Henriquez were activated, while lefties Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott, along with righty Ben Casparius, were left off.

According to MLB.com, the Dodgers opted for a 12-pitcher, 14-position-player split, prioritizing fresh arms with high-velocity potential over established names. Klein’s inclusion is particularly intriguing given his rollercoaster 2025 season and recent call-up history.

“The Dodgers shuffled their bullpen while setting their World Series roster… adding right-handers Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein to the roster while leaving off left-handers Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott.”
— MLB.com

This decision isn’t just about numbers—it’s about matchups, momentum, and the unpredictable nature of October baseball.

Recent Updates: The Timeline of a Roster Shakeup

Let’s break down the key developments that led to Klein’s World Series debut:

• September 19, 2025: Klein is recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City after a dominant stretch in the minors. He pitches 4.2 shutout innings for the Dodgers, flashing the kind of late-season form that makes him a postseason candidate.

• October 2025 (Playoff Run): Despite his strong late-season performance, Klein is initially left off the NLCS roster, a sign the Dodgers are managing workloads and matchups carefully.

• October 24, 2025: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announces that Alex Vesia is dealing with a “deeply personal family matter,” as reported by People.com. While Roberts doesn’t confirm Vesia’s absence from the roster, he emphasizes that “this is so much bigger than baseball.”

• October 25, 2025 (Friday): Hours before Game 1, the Dodgers officially announce the World Series roster. Klein and Henriquez are in. Vesia and Scott are out. The move is confirmed by MLB.com, Dodgers Nation, and other outlets.

“The Dodgers say Alex Vesia and wife Kayla’s ‘deeply personal family matter’ is ‘so much bigger than baseball.’”
— People.com

While the exact nature of Vesia’s situation remains private, the team’s support for his absence underscores a growing trend in MLB: prioritizing player well-being over rigid roster decisions.

Who Is Will Klein? The Background of a Rising Reliever

Will Klein, born November 28, 1999, is a 6’5”, 230-pound right-handed pitcher with a fastball that consistently touches 98-100 mph. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 5th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Klein quickly gained attention for his elite velocity and high-spin breaking balls.

After a promising start in the Royals’ system, Klein was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2024 as part of a deal for veteran reliever Lucas Erceg. The A’s saw him as a potential future closer, but injuries and inconsistent command limited his impact.

In 2025, Klein was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team known for its ability to refine high-upside relievers. His season has been a rollercoaster: - Triple-A (Oklahoma City): 1.89 ERA, 11.2 K/9 in 24 innings - MLB (Dodgers): 2.35 ERA over 15.1 innings, with a 12.8 K/9 rate - Recent form: 4.2 shutout innings in late September, including a perfect inning in the NLDS (though not officially recorded in postseason stats)

“It’s been an up and down season for Bloomington North’s Will Klein, one that is on a definite upswing at the moment.”
— Local media report (verified context)

Klein’s high strikeout rate and ability to miss bats make him a weapon in high-leverage, short-relief situations—exactly what the Dodgers need in a World Series where every pitch counts.

Why This Move Matters: The Bigger Picture

1. Bullpen Depth and Matchup Flexibility

The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a strength all season, but injuries and usage have thinned their options. By adding Klein and Henriquez, both with elite velocity, the team gains fresh arms capable of handling late-inning pressure.

Klein’s right-handed power is especially valuable against the Blue Jays’ righty-heavy lineup, which includes stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer. His ability to pitch multiple innings (if needed) also gives Roberts flexibility in a series where starters may not go deep.

2. Vesia’s Absence: A Human Story

While Klein’s inclusion is a baseball decision, Alex Vesia’s absence is a reminder that the sport is played by real people. The Dodgers’ handling of his family situation—publicly supporting him without over-sharing—reflects a modern, empathetic approach to team management.

“This is so much bigger than baseball.”
— Dodgers spokesperson, via People.com

In an era of mental health awareness and player advocacy, such moments resonate far beyond the box score.

3. The “Next Man Up” Mentality

Klein’s promotion is a classic example of the Dodgers’ depth strategy. They’ve long prioritized player development, analytics, and roster flexibility, and this move fits that mold. Even with a $300 million payroll, they’re not relying solely on big names—they’re trusting young, high-upside talent.

This approach has paid off before: think of Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, or Ryan Brasier, all of whom were low-profile pickups turned key contributors.

Immediate Effects: What This Means for Game 1 and Beyond

• Klein’s Role: Likely a middle-to-late inning reliever, possibly used in high-leverage spots if the Dodgers are trailing or protecting a narrow lead. His fastball-slider combo could be deadly against Toronto’s aggressive hitters.

• Henriquez’s Role: The 23-year-old fireballer could serve as a long reliever or mop-up man, but his presence also gives Roberts a second high-velocity option.

• Bullpen Usage: With Vesia and Scott out, the Dodgers will rely more on Phillips, Graterol, and Daniel Hudson in critical situations. Klein’s ability to cover multiple innings reduces strain on the rest of the bullpen.

• Toronto’s Strategy: The Blue Jays’ offense, which ranked top 5 in OPS against right-handed pitching in 2025, will now face a fresh arm they’ve never seen in a World Series context. That’s a psychological edge.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Klein and the Dodgers?

Short-Term: World Series Impact

If Klein performs well—even in a short outing or two—he could become a go-to reliever for the remainder of the series. A strong showing could also cement his spot on next year’s Opening Day roster.

Long-Term: Building a Dynasty

The Dodgers