edgardo henriquez

Edgardo Henriquez: The Venezuelan Pitcher Who Made the Dodgers’ World Series Roster

In a move that has sent ripples through the baseball world, Edgardo Henriquez has been officially added to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series roster. The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher from Cumana, Venezuela, is stepping onto the biggest stage in baseball after a whirlwind 2024 season that saw him rise through all four levels of the Dodgers’ minor league system—a rare and impressive feat.

But this isn’t just another roster update. The inclusion of Henriquez comes at a pivotal moment, both for the team and the player, amid personal challenges, strategic decisions, and a growing spotlight on the next generation of MLB talent. For fans across California and beyond, this story blends athletic excellence, human emotion, and high-stakes competition.

Let’s break down what this means—and why it matters.

Why Edgardo Henriquez Matters Right Now

The Dodgers made a bold decision ahead of the 2024 World Series: they swapped out two relievers—Alex Vesia and Ben Casparius—for two fresh arms: Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein. While Klein brings power velocity, it’s Henriquez who has captured the most attention—not just because of his rapid ascent, but because of the emotional and strategic weight behind his call-up.

According to CBS Sports, Henriquez was added to the Fall Classic roster as the Dodgers prepare to face the New York Yankees in a historic showdown. This move wasn’t about replacing injured stars or filling a gap—it was a calculated bet on youth, resilience, and potential.

But the timing couldn’t be more layered.

Just days before the announcement, People.com reported that Alex Vesia and his wife Kayla were dealing with a “deeply personal family matter” that the Dodgers called “so much bigger than baseball.” While no official details were released, the team’s public support underscored the human side of the game. Vesia, a key left-handed reliever, stepped away from the team to prioritize family—a decision met with respect and understanding from the organization and fans alike.

In his place? A 22-year-old rookie who had never thrown a pitch in the majors before late September.

“It’s not just about velocity or stats,” a Dodgers insider told The Sporting News. “It’s about who you trust when the lights are brightest. And right now, they trust Edgardo.”

Recent Updates: The Timeline of a Meteoric Rise

The journey of Edgardo Henriquez to the World Series is nothing short of cinematic. Here’s how it unfolded—verified through official sources and trusted reporting:

June 2024 – Starting in the Low Minors

Henriquez began the season with Low-A Rancho Cucamonga, the lowest rung of the Dodgers’ farm system. According to True Blue LA, he was one of several young arms being tested across the minors.

July–August – Climbing the Ladder

Over the summer, Henriquez made appearances at High-A Great Lakes, Double-A Tulsa, and Triple-A Oklahoma City—a rare four-level journey in a single season. His ability to adapt quickly to higher competition levels caught the attention of scouts and coaches.

September 24, 2024 – MLB Debut

Henriquez made his Major League debut against the San Diego Padres, tossing a scoreless inning. At just 22 years old, he became one of the youngest pitchers to debut for the Dodgers in years.

October 2024 – World Series Roster Call-Up

Just weeks after his debut, the Dodgers added Henriquez and Will Klein to the World Series roster, replacing Vesia and Casparius. The move was confirmed by CBS Sports, El-Balad.com, and MSN, all citing team sources.

October 25, 2024 – First World Series Appearance

Henriquez made his World Series debut in Game 3, entering in the 12th inning to face the heart of the Yankees’ order. Though he didn’t record a decision, his poise under pressure was widely praised.

“He didn’t look like a rookie,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in a post-game press conference. “He looked like a guy who belonged.”

The Human Side: Family, Faith, and the Weight of the Moment

While Henriquez’s rise is a story of athletic achievement, it’s also deeply personal.

Born in Cumana, Venezuela, a coastal city known for its baseball culture, Henriquez grew up in a country where baseball is more than a sport—it’s a lifeline. Many Venezuelan players, from Johan Santana to Ronald Acuña Jr., have used the game as a path to a better life.

Henriquez’s journey is no different. According to El-Balad.com, a Venezuelan news outlet, his family sacrificed everything to support his training. His father worked multiple jobs, and his mother managed his early career from afar. When he signed with the Dodgers in 2018 as an international free agent, it was a dream realized.

But the emotional weight of the moment hit hard when Vesia stepped away for family reasons. The Dodgers’ public statement—calling it “so much bigger than baseball”—resonated across the league. For Henriquez, being called up in Vesia’s place wasn’t just a professional opportunity—it was a symbol of responsibility.

“I’m here because Alex made a hard choice,” Henriquez said in a brief interview with The Sporting News. “I’m going to honor that. I’m going to pitch like I’m playing for him, too.”

That sentiment has earned him widespread respect in the clubhouse. Teammates have praised his maturity, and fans have embraced him as a symbol of resilience and humility.

Contextual Background: The Dodgers’ Strategy and the Rise of Young Arms

The Dodgers’ decision to promote Henriquez isn’t an accident. It’s part of a long-term strategy to build a deep, flexible bullpen with high-upside young talent.

A Pattern of Youth Movement

Over the past five years, the Dodgers have increasingly relied on young, unproven pitchers in high-leverage situations. From Emmet Sheehan to River Ryan, the team has shown a willingness to trust youth over experience—especially when the stakes are highest.

Henriquez fits this mold perfectly: - Age: 22 (turns 23 in June 2025) - Height: 6’4” – ideal for a power reliever - Fastball: Reaches 97–98 mph with late movement - Secondary Pitches: Developing slider and changeup

According to Baseball-Reference.com, Henriquez’s strikeout rate in the minors (34.2%) was among the best in the system. His ground-ball rate (52%) suggests he can induce weak contact—critical in a hitter-friendly World Series environment.

The Vesia Factor

The absence of Alex Vesia, a reliable lefty with a 2.87 ERA in 2024, forced the Dodgers to rethink their bullpen balance. Vesia’s departure wasn’t just about losing a left-handed specialist—it disrupted the rhythm and chemistry of the relief corps.

Enter Henriquez. While he’s right-handed, his ability to face both lefties and righties (career .210 BA against righties, .235 against lefties in minors) gives the Dodgers versatility. His high-velocity approach is designed to shorten outings—a key in a seven-game series where every pitch counts.

Venezuelan Pride

Henriquez’s call-up also carries cultural significance. He’s now one of nine Venezuelan players on the Dodgers’ active roster, joining stars like Miguel Rojas and Will Smith. For a country that has produced over 300 MLB players, his rise is a source of national pride.

Immediate Effects: How This Changes the Dodgers’ World Series Outlook

The addition of Henriquez isn’t just symbolic—it has real tactical implications.

Bullpen Flexibility

With Henriquez and Klein, the Dodgers now have **