Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. made his Major League Baseball debut on Sunday against the San Diego Padres, just days after learning that his sister Eliana and stepmother Patricia died in the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela in late June. The 26-year-old prospect went 0-for-2 at the plate before being replaced, and the Dodgers lost 5-2. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Alfonzo chose to play, saying he wanted to honor his family.
Alfonzo Plays Through Grief
Speaking in Spanish after the game, Alfonzo described the difficulty of stepping onto the field under such tragic circumstances. “Honestly, it was a little difficult, but at the same time, thanking God always for everything,” he said. “What happened, unfortunately, is out of my hands and part of life. Only God knows why they happen. I went out there to honour my sister and my stepmother, and give my best in a difficult moment. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win, but you have to keep moving forward.”
The Dodgers called up Alfonzo from the minors on Saturday, and he made his debut the following day. His father, Eliezer Alfonzo Sr., also played in MLB as a catcher for several teams from 2006 to 2011. The younger Alfonzo signed with the Detroit Tigers as an international free agent in 2016 and joined the Dodgers on a minor-league contract in November 2025.
Tribute on His Cap
During the game, Alfonzo wore a blue Dodgers cap with “E y P” and “RIP” written in silver marker above the brim, along with an embroidered “VZ” for Venezuela. Fellow Venezuelan teammate Miguel Rojas also wrote a message on his own cap in support of the Alfonzo family. The tribute was visible during the NBC broadcast and shared on social media by reporter Fabian Ardaya.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his sympathy before the game. “Don’t really know what to say about it, outside of my heart goes out to him and his family,” Roberts said. “I don’t want to really go too far because I’ll get emotional. So, I don’t know. Yeah, I know it’s tough. Very tough.” Roberts also noted that Rojas and pitcher Edgardo Henriquez have family in Venezuela but were unaffected by the disaster. “Our hearts break for them, and we’re going to be here to support (Alfonzo) in any way we possibly can,” he added.
Team and League Response
The Los Angeles Dodgers issued an official statement on Sunday night, writing on X: “The Dodgers wish to express their deepest condolences to catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, Jr. for the passing of his sister Eliana and stepmother Patricia in the devastating earthquake in Venezuela. Our hearts go out to his family in this tragic loss.”
The earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 have caused widespread devastation. As of Sunday, the official death toll reached 3,342, with tens of thousands more injured. The disaster has affected many families across the country, including those of MLB players. Alfonzo’s decision to play through his grief drew support from teammates, coaches, and fans.
Alfonzo's Path to the Majors
Alfonzo, who turns 27 later this year, spent nearly a decade in the minor leagues before getting his call-up. He was signed by the Tigers in 2016 and played in their system until 2024. After becoming a free agent, he signed with the Dodgers and impressed in spring training and at Triple-A Oklahoma City. In the game, he was pinch-hit for by Tommy Edman in the seventh inning, and Dalton Rushing took over catching duties. Despite his 0-for-2 performance, his presence on the field was seen as a testament to his resilience.
