Andy Pages has endured a rough start to his sophomore season as the primary center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Pages has struggled defensively and on the basepaths on multiple occasions this year, often times making notable contributions to losses during the Dodgers’ disappointing road trip. With both corner outfield positions currently occupied, the Dodgers have asked Pages to fill the vacancy in center field.
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Playing outside his natural corner outfield spot, Pages has had trouble with getting good reads on fly ball and taking efficient routes. Baserunning mistakes drew criticism from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who challenged his player to do better in those situations.
As Pages looks to cement himself as a young player, he’s appreciated receiving guidance and advice from Teoscar Hernández, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Teo’s always helping,” Pages said in Spanish on Wednesday. “He’s spent a lot of time in the big leagues, and he’s always paying attention to what I’m doing, trying to help me with everything. I’m thankful for that. He’s helped me a lot to this point.”
Having played in 13 games so far this season, Pages is batting .171/.306/.341 with one double, two home runs, two RBI, six walks and a 32.7% strikeout rate.
On the bright side, Pages found his power stroke during the final two games of the series against the Washington Nationals. His batting line didn’t change much from where it was prior to that stretch, but Pages’ 92 wRC+ is markedly improved compared to its point before hitting two home runs against the Nationals.
Dodgers center field options behind Andy Pages
Beyond Pages, the Dodgers have limited options to fill center field. James Outman and the recently acquired Esteury Ruiz are two candidates at their disposal, but each come with their own drawbacks.
There is also the option to move Tommy Edman out to center field full-time whenever the Dodgers are confident enough to call up Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
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