Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo debuts amid family tragedy

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.

• 10:26 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers’ Eliezer Alfonzo Plays Through Heartbreak in MLB Debut