Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo debuts amid family tragedy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 10:26 PM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
Eliezer Alfonzo made his MLB debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 6, 2026, against the San Diego Padres. Hours before the game, he learned that his stepmother and sister had died in earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. Fans acknowledged his difficult circumstances with a standing ovation in the third inning. After the game, Alfonzo expressed his desire to honor his family, saying he wished his sister could have seen his debut. Other Dodgers with Venezuelan ties were also noted, although they were not directly affected by the earthquakes.
- •Eliezer Alfonzo debuted for the Dodgers on July 6, 2026.
- •He lost his stepmother and sister in recent earthquakes in Venezuela.
- •Fans gave Alfonzo a standing ovation during his first at-bat.
- •Alfonzo hoped to honor his family with his performance.
- •Other Dodgers are also connected to the Venezuelan community.
- 10:26 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers’ Eliezer Alfonzo Plays Through Heartbreak in MLB Debut
"Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo played through immense heartbreak during his MLB debut after losing his stepmother and sister in the Venezuela earthquakes.
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