The reigning world champion Los Angeles Dodgers had a spectacular start to their 2025 season, reeling off eight straight wins. Then, they went on their first domestic road trip and posted a more pedestrian 2-4 record. Given their roster of superstars, it was more than a little disappointing. Even more so, because in three of the four losses, the Dodgers beat themselves with non-competitive at-bats, needless errors. and poor starting pitching. Admittedly, baseball is a team sport, but the Dodgers have one glaring weakness, and it’s in center field. The only question is if and when they address the issue.
Dodgers Have Glaring Hole in Center Field
The Defense
Andy Pages was pegged as the starting center fielder to begin the 2025 campaign. He is one of the top prospects in the Dodgers’ deep minor league system. The 24-year-old has been a career corner outfielder, so there is bound to be a learning curve. However, Pages is battling a negative Wins Above Replacement rating on a team that has high aspirations this year. There have been several fly balls which he has misplayed off the wall, misread off the bat, or frankly didn’t catch because he didn’t take charge in center field. These miscues have led to pitchers having to make more pitches into what have turned into high-leverage situations. These physical and mental errors have directly led to at least two Dodgers losses.
The Baserunning
Pages has an inconsistent and unpredictable method of running the bases. He employs an over-aggressive bent on the base paths, and has a habit of overtly ignoring third base coach Dino Ebel’s stop signs. Sometimes it pays off. However, there are times it doesn’t, and it can kill a rally because he runs into unnecessary outs. Rallies have been an integral part of the Dodgers’ season this year, as the majority of their victories have been of the come-from-behind variety. In addition, Pages has overrun and been picked off bases, reminiscent of Yasiel Puig. This is something that he must clean up if he wishes to have a long major league career.
The Offense
The only position that was in doubt for the Dodgers until the final days of spring training was center field. They chose Pages over James Outman because of his bat. Unfortunately, Pages has been cold at the plate. His batting average stands at .171, well below the Mendoza Line. Perhaps most glaring is his 16 strikeouts in 41 at-bats. It is also important to remember that he hits in front of the defending National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, which means that Pages is going to get good pitches to hit. Eric Karros, who was part of the broadcast team on the Dodgers’ road trip, said, “You need a good hitter in front of Shohei.” Thus far, Pages has failed to execute.
A Glimmer Of Hope
Andy ties it up! pic.twitter.com/hEqya45BSW
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 9, 2025
Pages is three for his last seven with two home runs. This includes a crucial game-tying blast, which helped the Dodgers win their last game on a rather dismal road trip. This is a good sign. However, if Pages’ struggles persist, he could be sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City in favor of infielder Hyeseong Kim, who has found his offensive stroke. The Dodgers could move Tommy Edman to center field, and Kim could play second base. They also have the option of calling up the newly-acquired Esteury Ruiz. It is clear the Dodgers are giving Andy Pages time, but the clock is ticking.
Photo Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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