Dodgers Outfielder Injury Update
Dodgers' Andy Pages Exits Game After Being Struck by 100 mph Fastball
Key Points
The pitch that hit Pages was a 100.2 mph sinker from Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler, struck him on the back of his left hand.
Despite being hit, Pages initially remained in the game and even played the fourth inning in the outfield before being removed in the fifth for further evaluation.
In the third inning, Pages also advanced to third base before the end of that frame, after taking the hit to his hand.
Kiké Hernández started in center field for Pages to begin the fifth inning, with Pages headed to the clubhouse for further evaluation.
There are discrepancies in Pages’ season-long home run totals across outlets, with ABC30 listing 25 homers and ModBee reporting 21 homers (both with 80 RBIs).
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages left Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after being hit by a 100.2 mph sinker on his left hand in the third inning. MLB.com reported that Pages initially stayed in the game and played through the fourth inning before being removed in the fifth for further evaluation of what was determined to be a left hand contusion.
Pages, a first-time All-Star this season, was batting .272 with either 21 or 25 home runs and 80 RBIs when the injury occurred. USA Today noted that the Dodgers brought in Kiké Hernández to replace Pages in center field starting the fifth inning, with no immediate prognosis given on the extent of the damage.
The Pitch That Changed the Game
Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler threw the sinker that struck Pages during the bottom of the third inning. MLB.com confirmed the pitch clocked in at 100.2 mph, hitting Pages on the back of his left hand. Despite the force of the impact, Pages managed to walk to first base and continue playing.
Pages Powered Through Before Leaving
Pages showed toughness after taking the hit to his hand. Dodgers Nation reported that he remained in the game following the initial impact in the third inning and even advanced to third base before the frame ended. He then took the field in center for the entire fourth inning.
In the fifth inning, the Dodgers made the decision to pull Pages for medical evaluation. Hernández took over in center field, and Pages headed to the clubhouse for imaging to assess the injury. The move signaled the Dodgers were taking the hand injury seriously.
What Pages' All-Star Season Could Be at Risk
Pages earned his first All-Star selection in 2024 after a strong season at the plate. Coming into Friday's game, he had compiled a .272 batting average with between 21 and 25 home runs and 80 RBIs, The Big Lead noted. His production made him one of the Dodgers' key offensive weapons.
The hand injury now threatens his availability moving forward. Left hand injuries can affect a player's grip and swing mechanics. The Dodgers will await imaging results to determine if Pages can return soon or if he faces a stint on the injured list during a critical stretch of the season.
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