Los Angeles – In a Friday night matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages suffered a left‑hand injury after being hit by a pitch from Pirates right‑hander Bubba Chandler in the third inning. The contact forced Pages to the ground, and he was briefly checked by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and the team’s trainer before resuming play.
After the hit, Pages was able to reach first base safely and later advanced to third before the inning concluded. However, the discomfort in his left hand persisted, and the Dodgers elected to replace him at the start of the fifth inning. Veteran utility player Kiké Hernández entered the game to fill the defensive gap in center field.
At the time of the injury, Pages was batting .272 for the season, having already contributed 25 home runs and 80 runs batted in. His performance earned him his first All‑Star selection this year, highlighting his importance to the Dodgers’ lineup.
The incident came as the Dodgers were looking to extend a winning streak and solidify their position in the National League West. While the team managed to hold off the Pirates for the remainder of the game, the loss of Pages could affect the outfield depth in upcoming series, especially as the team navigates a packed schedule that includes several interleague matchups.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Pages’ effort, noting that the player “didn’t let the injury keep him from helping the team get the win.” Roberts also emphasized the importance of monitoring the injury closely, stating that the medical staff would determine whether Pages can return to the lineup in the next game or if further rest is required.
Impact on the Dodgers’ roster
With Pages sidelined, the Dodgers will likely rely on Hernández and other outfield options such as Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger to cover the defensive responsibilities. The team’s depth in the outfield has been a point of discussion among analysts, and this injury underscores the need for flexibility among the roster.
Fans and local media in Los Angeles are already speculating on how long Pages might be out. While there has been no official timeline released, the Dodgers’ medical staff typically conducts a thorough evaluation before clearing a player to return, especially after a hand injury that could affect batting grip and fielding.
Andy Pages’ injury adds another variable to the Dodgers’ pursuit of a postseason berth. The team currently sits near the top of the NL West standings, and maintaining a healthy lineup will be crucial as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.
For now, the Dodgers will continue to assess Pages’ condition while relying on the depth of their roster to navigate the upcoming games. The next scheduled matchup will provide an early test of how the team adapts without their All‑Star center fielder.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
