During the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 5-4 victory against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday evening, All-Star outfielder Andy Pages suffered a broken left hand after getting struck by a pitch.
A pitch thrown by Bubba Chandler in the third frame hit the center fielder on the back of his hand, allowing him to reach first base. Before the frame concluded, he managed to move up to third base. When the fifth inning began, Enrique Hernandez subbed in to take over for Pages.
According to manager Dave Roberts, the fracture was confirmed by X-ray results.
“This won’t end his season since recovery for an injury like this typically takes about four to five weeks,” Roberts explained. “Given his work ethic, I anticipate he will return sooner rather than later. There is plenty of the schedule remaining for his return. I truly feel bad for him, especially with the outstanding season he’s putting together.”
While Roberts noted that surgery remains a possibility for Pages, he does not anticipate that a potential operation would alter his recovery timeline.
To fill the void left by Pages, Roberts suggested that versatile utility man Tommy Edman, who delivered the walk-off hit in the tenth inning, might spend some time patrolling center field.
This year, Pages has compiled a .272 batting average alongside 25 homers and 80 runs batted in, a performance that secured him his maiden All-Star nod.
