Overview
- Pages was hit in the back of his left hand by a roughly 100.2 mph sinker from Pirates rookie Bubba Chandler and initially stayed in the game before being removed in the fifth inning for further tests.
- Postgame X-rays showed a fracture in Pages’ left hand and manager Dave Roberts said the outfielder will be out at least four weeks with surgery possible but not expected to change that window.
- The injury removes a regular top-three hitter and one of baseball’s best defensive center fielders for several weeks and could still allow a return near the start of postseason play if recovery goes well.
- The Dodgers are weighing internal options to cover center—Kiké Hernández, Tommy Edman, Alex Call and Alek Thomas are being considered—and Pages’ move to the injured list will likely open a 26-man roster spot.
- Pages, 25, is having a breakout All-Star season (.272/.338/.458 with 21 homers and elite defensive marks) so his absence both lowers Los Angeles’ lineup depth and forces the club to prioritize defense in center field down the stretch.