Andy Pages has been more than impressive to begin his Major League career after being called up to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the middle of April. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts even went as far to give him credit as an integral part of their recent hot streak.
After a ‘welcome to the Big Leagues’ stretch to start his career that included eight strikeouts in 14 at-bats, he is now hitting .338 with a .957 on-base plus slugging in 65 at-bats. Pages’ ability to not be overwhelmed at the Major League level was a skill that Roberts knew Pages had in his toolbox, but it was impressive to see nonetheless.
Pages was given his opportunity with the Dodgers because of the lack of production from a stagnant bottom portion of the lineup, but also to fill in for the injured Jason Heyward. Although Heyward is making progress toward his return, it’s unlikely Pages will head back to Oklahoma City anytime soon, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Well, everyone’s idea of awhile is relative,” Roberts said with a smile. “So – yeah, he will. My version is, yes, he will.”
Pages has earned an extended stint with the Dodgers because of his play, regardless of Heyward’s availability. But the emergence of Pages does create a large looming decision that the Dodgers will eventually have to make once Heyward does return.
The longer Pages keeps producing for the Dodgers, the harder it becomes to justify sending him back down to the Minors.
If that eventually does become the case, it is difficult to pinpoint who does come off the roster. If James Outman continues to struggle at the plate, he may find himself on the outside looking in due to his option years.
Jason Heyward making progress while Andy Pages shines
Heyward’s rehab process has been filled with many twists and turns as lingering pain has caused him to miss a lot more time than initially expected, but the good news is that the soreness in his back seems to be in the rearview mirror.
“Jason hit today, I saw him running earlier full speed, pain-free,” Roberts said. “He’ll be taking batting practice soon on the field, I would assume this week for sure. Then there will be a simulated game at some point in time, I would assume next week.
“And then from there, if all goes well, we’ll continue to ramp him up. He’s taking a couple of big steps as far as the pain-free and how his body is moving, he’s in a good spot.”
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