Along with contributions at the plate, Andy Pages has received plenty of praise for his defensive work in center field this season.
Among some of Pages’ most recent highlights were immediately making his presence known in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 6-5 walk-off win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night as he threw out Taylor Ward trying to extend a single into a double to lead off the game.
“Really, really big plays,” manager Dave Roberts said of Pages’ defense. “Obviously, the one coming in with Roki pitching, and then the arm strength to get that leadoff hitter of the game. He’s going to be in the Gold Glove conversation.
“He’s engaged every pitch, and it’s fun to see a young player value the defense all the while really taking care of business in the batter’s box. He’s a complete player, he really is.”
Roberts has commended Pages for his work ethic on several occasions this season and believes that is fueling his improved play on both sides of the ball.
“For me, it’s the consistency,” Roberts said. “Everyone comes out guns a blazing from Spring Training, and wanting to work and be the best version of themselves, but then that sort of goes by the wayside. Andy has been consistent.
“Even an hour ago, he was out here doing his glove work and working on his throwing, his pivots when he catches the baseball. We’ve got a lot of guys that do that, and he’s had a good model of how to do things with our veteran guys. But that’s probably the thing that sticks out most.”
Pages enters play Monday hitting .268/.318/.487 with 18 doubles, 15 home runs and 57 RBI in 77 games. The 25-year-old has also been one of the best center fielders in the league, as he is tied with the Boston Red Sox’s Ceddanne Rafaela for the most defensive runs saved at 14.
Dave Roberts hopes Andy Pages earns All-Star selection
Roberts has been leading the charge for Pages to earn his first All-Star selection, and after the first update, he leads all National League center fielders with 800,496 votes.
“It’s great, it’s great,” Roberts recently said. “He’s definitely, as we all know, he’s not a self-promoter at all. He just wants to play baseball. And so for the fans to recognize that, they’re getting it right, as far as the person, the talent, the performance.
“And so that’s really good to see. Hopefully, he can keep playing well and then solidify that number one spot. That’d be fun to have him in Philly with me.”
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