The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without All-Star outfielder Andy Pages for 4-5 weeks after he suffered a fractured hand when hit by a 100.2 mph sinker in the third inning of Friday’s 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Tommy Edman delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning to secure the win, though the Dodgers’ focus shifted to managing Pages’ absence. Manager Dave Roberts indicated Pages could return sooner than the timeline suggests, emphasizing the team’s need to adapt defensively in center field.
Immediate Impact: Injury and Replacement
Pages remained in the game for one additional inning in center field before being replaced by Kiké Hernández in the fifth. Roberts confirmed the injury’s severity during postgame remarks, stating, “I would expect him back, knowing him, on the earlier side.” The Dodgers (78-51) now face a short-term void in center field as they pursue their playoff push.
Roberts outlined priorities for the roster adjustment, noting, “You’ve got to be mindful of the defense, certainly in center field. Somebody that can handle center field.” The team has not yet named a permanent replacement, with Roberts adding, “We’ll piece it together.”
Game Recap: Edman’s Heroics and Team Momentum
Edman’s walk-off single followed a strong performance by starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who allowed two runs on five hits over 6⅓ innings while striking out nine. The Dodgers’ offense showed discipline, with Roberts highlighting lower swing and chase percentages and higher quality of contact in recent games.
The win marked the Dodgers’ fourth consecutive victory, their longest streak since late July, and followed a sweep of the Colorado Rockies. Roberts attributed the resurgence to “collective reinterest” among the team, though the injury to Pages tempered the celebration.
Manager’s Perspective on Injury and Season Outlook
Roberts framed Pages’ absence as a temporary setback, stating, “There’s still time in the season for him to be back.” He acknowledged the emotional impact on Pages, who has been a key contributor, but emphasized the team’s depth and adaptability.
The Dodgers now enter a critical stretch of the regular season with an opportunity to solidify their playoff position. The loss of Pages, however, adds urgency to finding a reliable center fielder while maintaining defensive stability.