Where Dodgers could turn next after Andy Pages gets devastating X-ray news as playoffs approach
The Dodgers are hopeful Andy Pages’ season isn’t over.But after he was drilled in the hand by a 100 mph fastball on Friday, the All-Star’s status is suddenly in some doubt.According to manager Dave Roberts, Pages suffered a fracture on the back of his hand in the Dodgers’ 5-4 walk-off win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.Roberts said Pages is expected to return this season, but could be sidelined for up to 4-5 weeks.“It’s just really unfortunate, obviously,” Roberts said.
“I would expect him back, knowing him, on the earlier side … But I feel for him because he was having such a good year and he likes to play.But yeah, we’ve got to move on and hold down the fort until he’s back.”Pages had been having a breakout campaign in 2026, emerging as one of the majors’ best center fielders with both his bat and his glove.Offensively, the 25-year-old entered Friday hitting .272 with 21 home runs, 80 RBIs and a career-best .797 OPS in his third MLB season.
Defensively, his plus-18 mark in defensive runs saved was fifth-best in the majors at any position, and behind only Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox among center fielders.Without Pages –– who will be further evaluated this weekend to see if surgery on his injury is required –– the Dodgers will have to scramble to find a replacement in their lineup.Kiké Hernández is the most obvious option, as a veteran bat with ample center-field experience in his career.However, he has played only 16 games this season because of injuries, and has gone just 4-for-30 at the plate since most recently returning from the IL last month.
As a right-handed hitter, the Dodgers might also prefer him in more of a platoon role.Switch-hitting utilityman Tommy Edman is another center field option for the Dodgers, and is under consideration to factor in at the position moving forward, Roberts said.However, the team has largely used him at only second base and left field so far this year, and might be hesit...