Andy Pages returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers with an uncertain role when active rosters expanded at the beginning of September.
However, the 23-year-old has received more opportunities as of late due to his success against left-handed pitching. “It’s pretty remarkable,” manager Dave Roberts said of Pages’ hot hitting against southpaws.
“We’re trying to find some guys that will come to life versus left-handed pitching, and Andy’s been consistent all year. Even coming back and not playing every day, which he was before he went down, it’s a different role for him.
“I give him a lot of credit as a young player to be ready when called upon. He’s making the most of his opportunities.”
The Dodgers entered Tuesday with a 120 wRC+ against left-handed pitching this season, which is tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the best mark in baseball.
Pages has been a big part of that success as he is hitting a stellar .357/.396/.520 with seven doubles, three home runs and nine RBI in 106 such plate appearances.
The rookie outfielder had modest success during his first stint with the Dodgers, but looks like an improved player after returning from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
“Just working with the hitting coaches, trying to remain calm and have a lot of confidence up there,” Pages recently said through a translator.
In 111 games this season, Pages is hitting .251/.307/.400 with 23 doubles, one triple, 11 home runs and 43 RBI over 427 plate appearances.
Pages’ success when facing left-handers could end up earning him a spot on the Dodgers’ postseason roster.
Andy Pages in ‘much better mind frame’
Roberts believes Pages has been more successful in his second stint with the Dodgers due in part to having a better outlook on the game.
“This time around, I see a much better mind frame,” Roberts began.
“When he was playing a lot, it was good, and then when he wasn’t playing a lot, he was obviously disappointed, and I don’t think he was in a good mindset.
“And so when he went down and performed and came back up here. He’s in a better space as far as whatever the teams needs, and it’s good to see some results too.”
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