With Jason Heyward facing an extended stint on the 10-day injured list and the bottom of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup collectively scuffling, Andy Pages has received an opportunity that came earlier than expected.
Talent has not been the question for Pages, but rather the simple fact that the Dodgers prospect had season-ending left shoulder surgery in 2023. Considering the recovery and potential drop in power that can come from a procedure of that magnitude, he wasn’t expected to appear this early in the year.
“Really, really surprised. Pleasantly surprised,” Dodgers mananger Dave Roberts said of his rookie outfielder. “With the lead arm, there’s a lot of hitters that hurt that lead arm and it affects their swing considerably. So for him to rebound, speaks to how much commitment he put into the rehab process.
“He’s in great shape. As good of shape as he’s ever been in. He put in a lot of work.”
Pages singled in the first at-bat of his MLB debut — a moment that has been commemorated with his first bobblehead — but otherwise hasn’t yet provided consistent offensive production seen during Spring Training and to begin the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Pages did slug his first career home run on Sunday, and he also doubled in the game.
Getting back to essentially full health with his left shoulder is certainly encouraging for Pages and the Dodgers moving forward.
“Honestly, the first time I felt really healthy and strong as I feel right now was when I was doing training in the gym and all the day-to-day stuff, not so much at the plate,” Pages said.
Andy Pages remaining in Dodgers lineup
While Heyward was a platoon starter and Taylor Trammell played sparingly upon temporarily taking his spot on the roster, Pages has been in the Dodgers lineup for all five games since joining the team.
That figures to continue to be the case as Roberts noted Pages is going to receive opportunities against both left- and right-handed pitching.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
