Spring Camp Insights for Dodgers’ Hernandez and Pages

PHOENIX — Spring training statistics can feel a bit like rolling dice.

Yet, for Teoscar Hernandez and Andy Pages, there are indicators suggesting their growth this camp is genuine.

For many other Dodgers hitters, this year’s training session has a sense of nostalgia. A lengthy postseason and brief offseason have left several veterans slow to develop as they head into the regular season. They show up now and then in the Cactus League, adjusting their at-bats to pace themselves.

But Hernandez and Pages aren’t just part of that trend.

They’ve shown eagerness to play frequently this spring. Both players aimed to leave behind the frustrations they faced at the end of the 2025 season. Now, with camp drawing to a close, they’ve transformed their preseason into a solid foundation for the upcoming season, each boasting batting averages over .400 and logging more at-bats than any other regular on the team.

“I enjoy being on the field, I enjoy playing, and I like getting a lot of at-bats,” Hernandez stated.

“And some success is always good,” he added, with a grin.

Of course, success felt more like a dream for both players by the end of last year.

Hernandez dealt with a groin injury and finished 2025 with a disappointing OPS of .738. Pages had an up-and-down season, showing early promise that faded, leading to a benching during the World Series.

Consequently, this spring has been a reset for them.

As camp concludes, they stand out as two of the most impressive figures in the Dodgers’ renowned lineup.

For Hernandez, it was about regaining health, readjusting to left field, and most importantly, fixing his swing after a lackluster .247 average, with 25 home runs and 89 RBIs last season.

The veteran returned in better shape this year, going 15-for-31 in Sunday’s game. He showcased his power recently, hitting two home runs, including one that harkened back to his prior season’s comeback. Plus, he improved his plate discipline, striking out just four times in 33 Cactus League at-bats.

“Great players, no matter the criticisms they face, tend to hold themselves to high standards,” manager Dave Roberts commented on Hernandez’s approach this spring, especially following an offseason filled with trade speculations. “I’m looking forward to seeing what Theo can do this year. I’m really excited,” he added.

Big things may also be in store for Pages, who had 13 hits in 32 at-bats, including five extra-base hits and solid outfield defense in spring games.

He reminded all of the player who batted .293 with 17 home runs and 58 RBIs during the early part of last season, starkly contrasting with the .078 he managed in the playoffs, which led to being benched for the final World Series games.

While he made a key catch in Game 7, the postseason was a reality check for the 25-year-old.

This spring, he expressed a desire to advance in his career.

“I didn’t have any negative experiences, and I got along really well [during the playoffs],” Pages shared.

He has been concentrating on plate discipline, spending about 30 minutes daily in the hitting lab to improve his ability to differentiate borderline pitches with the Trajekt pitching machine.

Furthermore, he’s taken a more focused approach to his daily routines at Camelback Ranch, which both Roberts and Hernandez noted as “mature.” It’s clear he’s grown since his earlier days when he wasn’t as dedicated to his workouts.

“He now gets what he needs to do and what he’ll experience during the season,” Hernandez added. “This allows him to care for his body, mind, and more effectively.”

The Dodgers anticipate both Hernandez and Pages making strides in 2026 compared to their past performance.

Although the team invested around $250 million to enhance its outfield by signing Kyle Tucker, there’s an essential need for Hernandez and Pages to step up as contributors at the bottom of the lineup.

This is why Roberts is so optimistic about their proactive spring strategies. The impressive statistics from the Cactus League carry significant weight as Opening Day approaches.

“We’re just aiming to maintain this momentum,” Hernandez commented, “and keep doing it throughout the season.”