Dodgers Await Results on Andy Pages’ Injury

The Dodgers are keeping their fingers crossed that Andy Pages’ season isn’t finished just yet.

After being hit in the hand by a 100 mph fastball during the game on Friday, things have become a bit uncertain for the All-Star.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Pages has a fracture on the back of his hand following the Dodgers’ 5-4 walk-off victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Roberts mentioned that while Pages is expected to make a return this season, he could be out for around 4 to 5 weeks.

“It’s just really unfortunate, obviously,” said Roberts. “I would expect him back, knowing him, on the earlier side… But I do feel for him because he was having such a good year and really loves to play. We just have to move on and hold things together until he gets back.”

This year, Pages has truly shone as one of the top center fielders in the majors, showcasing impressive skills both offensively and defensively.

The 25-year-old had a batting average of .272 entering Friday, with 21 home runs, 80 RBIs, and a career-high .797 OPS in his third season in the MLB. On the defensive side, he boasted a plus-18 in defensive runs saved, ranking fifth overall in the league, only behind Ceddanne Rafaela from the Boston Red Sox among center fielders.

In Pages’ absence — he’ll undergo further assessments this weekend to determine if surgery is necessary — the Dodgers will need to find someone to fill his role.

Kiké Hernández seems to be the most straightforward choice, given his experience in center field. Yet, he has only played 16 games this season due to injuries, and his performance since returning from the IL has been underwhelming, hitting just 4-for-30. Being a right-handed hitter might lead the Dodgers to consider him for a platoon position instead.

Another option for center field is switch-hitter Tommy Edman, who has primarily played second base and left field this season. Roberts indicated that Edman could get some time in center, though the team might hesitate to give him regular starts after his ankle surgery this offseason.

Looking into the minors, the only player on the 40-man roster with significant center field experience is Alek Thomas, a five-year veteran. He joined the Dodgers earlier this season after being designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks and is currently performing well in triple-A with a .297 average over 54 games.

The Dodgers do have promising outfield prospects like James Tibbs III and Josue De Paula, but neither fits perfectly for center field due to their skill sets leaning more toward corner outfield positions. Zach Ehrhard in triple-A is also showing good numbers but would need to be added to the 40-man roster for a call-up.

“We’ll get together tonight and discuss who we want to bring up,” Roberts said. “Defense is important, especially in center field… We’ll manage to make it work. I’m unsure exactly how, but securing center field is a priority.”

Ideally, any transition plans will be temporary.

Roberts expressed that he doesn’t anticipate Pages’ recovery timeline to shift based on whether he requires surgery, maintaining hope that Pages will be ready in time for the postseason as the Dodgers aim for their third consecutive World Series title.

For now, though, the team is in a holding pattern, hoping for a swift recovery for Pages