Dodgers call up Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. amid family tragedy in Venezuela
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 9:35 PM
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up minor-league catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. as a backup, filling in for injured All-Star Will Smith. Alfonzo's call-up comes during a difficult time, as his 16-year-old sister and stepmother remain missing following recent earthquakes in Venezuela. The earthquakes have claimed nearly 3,000 lives, and Alfonzo's father is aiding rescue efforts. This marks a significant moment for Alfonzo Jr., who is making his MLB debut at age 26 after ten seasons in the minors, previously signing with the Tigers in 2016. He has performed well in Triple-A this season, hitting.313 with a.392 on-base percentage.
- •Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. is called up by the Dodgers on July 4, 2026.
- •His family is affected by catastrophic earthquakes in Venezuela.
- •Alfonzo's sister and stepmother are still missing following the disaster.
- •He has a.313 batting average in 49 games this season at Triple-A.
- •Alfonzo Jr. previously signed with the Dodgers after a decade in the minors.
- 5:41 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers send message to Venezuelan rookie who debuted amid family tragedy
- 12:08 AMESPN — Dodgers C to debut despite tragedy in Venezuela
- 11:45 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers' Eliézer Alfonzo makes MLB debut with sister, stepmother still missing in Venezuela quakes
- 9:57 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers' Eliezer Alfonzo to make MLB debut as sister, stepmother missing in Venezuela
- 9:35 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers call up C Eliezer Alfonzo Jr., whose sister and stepmother remain missing after Venezuelan earthquakes
"Catcher Eliézer Alfonzo made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday with his sister and stepmother still missing after Venezuela's catastrophic earthquakes. The 26-year-old Alfonzo batted ninth and caught Emmet Sheehan in the Dodgers' home game against the San Diego Padres. Alfonzo’s 16-year-old sister, Eliana, and his stepmother, Patricia, have been missing since multiple earthquakes hit his homeland on June 24.
"On the same day he made his major league debut, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was dealt devastating news. Reports out of Venezuela indicated his sister, Eliana, and stepmother, Patricia, were discovered among the deceased in a hotel that…
"The stepmom and sister of Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. were found dead as a result of the earthquakes in Venezuela last week, according to reports.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 5:41 PMDodgers send message to Venezuelan rookie who debuted amid family tragedy
On the same day he made his major league debut, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was dealt devastating news. Reports out of Venezuela indicated his sister, Eliana, and stepmother, Patricia, were discovered among the deceased in a hotel that…
- ESPNJul 6, 2026, 12:08 AMDodgers C to debut despite tragedy in Venezuela
The stepmom and sister of Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. were found dead as a result of the earthquakes in Venezuela last week, according to reports.
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 11:45 PMDodgers' Eliézer Alfonzo makes MLB debut with sister, stepmother still missing in Venezuela quakes
Catcher Eliézer Alfonzo made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday with his sister and stepmother still missing after Venezuela's catastrophic earthquakes. The 26-year-old Alfonzo batted ninth and caught Emmet Sheehan in the Dodgers' home game against the San Diego Padres. Alfonzo’s 16-year-old sister, Eliana, and his stepmother, Patricia, have been missing since multiple earthquakes hit his homeland on June 24.
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 9:57 PMDodgers' Eliezer Alfonzo to make MLB debut as sister, stepmother missing in Venezuela
Dodgers catching prospect Eliezer Alfonzo will make his major league debut while his sister and stepmother are missing after earthquakes in Venezuela.
- Yahoo SportsJul 4, 2026, 9:35 PMDodgers call up C Eliezer Alfonzo Jr., whose sister and stepmother remain missing after Venezuelan earthquakes
Nearly 3,000 people have been reported dead in the aftermath of the Venezuelan earthquakes.
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