The Los Angeles Dodgers took a massive hit to their lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dodgers All-Star center fielder Andy Pages exited their game against the Pirates in the fifth inning.
After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told Jack Harris of the California Post that Andy Pages suffered a fracture in the back of his left hand. Pages is expected to miss at least four weeks.
Pages, 25, was having a breakout year at the plate. The Dodgers center fielder is slashing .272/.358/.458 on the season with 21 home runs and a 119 wRC+ in 127 games. He also provides elite center field defense, rated at +18 Defensive Runs Saved and +9 Outs Above Average.
As a result of his improving bat, Pages moved up to the third spot in the order in their regular lineup. He was named a National League All-Star for the first time in his career.
Dodgers All-Star Andy Pages Exits Pirates Game After HBP
Any time a hitter takes a pitch, especially a fastball, on the hand or wrist area is always concerning. From the video, courtesy of Dodgers Digest’s Chad Moriyama, it appeared that the ball hit Andy Pages toward the meat part of the hand.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts immediately sprinted out of the dugout to check on his center fielder, along with trainer Travis Albert. Pages convinced both Roberts and Albert to leave him in the game following the hit-by-pitch.
However, he eventually left the game in the top of the fifth. Utility infielder Kike Hernandez replaced him in center field for the rest of the game.
The Dodgers later provided an update on Pages not long after his exit from the game. The club announced he suffered a “left hand contusion”. This comes after he was hit in the left hand by a Bubba Chandler 100.2 MPH fastball in the third inning.
The immediate concern is whether there is a more serious injury. Any sort of fracture in the hand or wrist area would be a problem for the Dodgers. With the postseason just six weeks away, there’s little time for the All-Star center fielder to rehab his injury and get ready.
However, the fact that the Dodgers announced a bruise is a somewhat alleviating development for the club. Pages will likely undergo a battery of tests, which could include an X-ray and MRI, to identify possible fractures.
Roberts said that the X-ray revealed a fracture in the left hand. He said Pages “will be out for a while,” estimating a 4-5 week recovery period.
Where Do the Dodgers Go From Here?
Andy Pages is ticketed for the 10-day injured list. Roberts said on SportsNet LA’s postgame coverage that they aren’t sure who it will be, but their main priority is “locking down center field” over the next 4-5 weeks.
The Dodgers have limited options in center field to call up for the final stretch. They may turn to former Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas, who was a Gold Glove finalist in 2022 and 2023.
The Dodgers acquired Thomas from Arizona back in May, and he’s been staying ready with Triple-A Oklahoma City. There, the 26-year-old outfielder has put up a .297/.361/.498 slash with seven home runs in 54 games. Thomas is already on the 40-man roster, so no additional moves are necessary.
The strategy in center field could be a platoon of Thomas and Alex Call. Call has served as the fourth outfielder for the Dodgers this season. Kike Hernandez and Tommy Edman are also options to play there.
Dodgers Get Devastating Andy Pages Injury News After Pirates Game