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Fernando Valenzuela steps away from the Dodger broadcast booth for rest of the season

Former pitcher Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers gives autographs to fans before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Former pitcher Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers gives autographs to fans before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on April 1.
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Kevork Djansezian
/
Getty Images
)

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Topline:

Legendary Spanish-language Dodgers broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela will be stepping away from the booth for the remainder of the season to focus on his health. He's been away from the booth for the last few weeks.

Reason is unclear: The Dodgers made the announcement yesterday in a statement, but the nature of his health issues was not made clear. According to the team, "he and his family truly appreciate the love and support of fans as he aims to return for the 2025 season, and they have asked for privacy during this time.''

His history: The former pitcher has been a broadcaster with the team since 2003 and is a much beloved fixture on the Dodgers broadcasting team.

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Dodger legend: The former pitcher has been a broadcaster with the team since 2003 and is a beloved fixture on the Dodgers broadcasting team. Before that he was a pitcher on the Dodgers' storied 1981 World Champion team. That year he won the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards. He spent 11 seasons with the Dodgers and has been calling games in Spanish for the last 21 seasons.

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