Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages has struggled throughout the postseason, however manager Dave Roberts continues to have faith in the 24-year-old.
Pages is batting .093 through 12 games this postseason, recording just four hits in his 43 at-bats. Despite this, he has started every game for the Dodgers in center.
“He has struggled this postseason,” Roberts said. “What I need from him is to have quality at-bats, to be able to get on base, to win 3-2 pitches. He’s playing very sound defense, which is a big part of why he’s in there.
“…Being in the 9 hole, I’m not expecting him to carry the offense, but still be a contributor. I have contemplated other decisions. I’m keeping a close eye on it. But yeah, I mean, I still need to see some kind of uptick in consistency of performance. So when and if I decide to change — I haven’t decided that, but I’m being mindful.”
Pages had that uptick in Game 2 of the World Series, recording a hit and scoring the Dodgers’ second run of the game in the seventh inning. He has looked much better over the last couple of games, recording a hit in three of his last five contests.
Roberts seems to be sticking with Pages as well, revealing reasons why he would likely not replace him in the outfield with some of his other options like Tommy Edman.
“You know, it’s been off the table because of potential injury risk, and I’m not quite sure — he hasn’t taken a fly ball out there in a month, so I’m just not sure where he’s at,” Roberts said of Edman.
He also shut down the possibility of Kiké Hernandez shifting over to center from left field, where he has spent most of his time this postseason.
“Yeah, that’s kind of the thought of just kind of he hasn’t played — he’s probably played a handful of innings in center field all year, and Andy’s been plus in center field,” Roberts said. “So when you’re in the middle of the diamond, the defense certainly matters. But so does the offense. So I think for me it’s trying to weigh it all and sum it up, but it’s not Andy’s sole responsibility as far as the offensive inconsistencies. I just refuse to put that on a 9 hitter.”
The Dodgers will hope Pages can continue to produce at the plate for the remainder of the World Series. After a huge Game 2 win, the Dodgers return to LA with the series tied, and have the opportunity to swing the series in their favor in front of the home crowd. Game 3 of the World Series will come Monday, Oct. 27 at 5:00 p.m. PT.
Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Have you downloaded the new Dodgers Nation app yet? Click here for Apple Users and here for Android Users to be a part of the redesigned app to give fans everything they need, all in one place. Don’t miss out on live GameCast with play-by-play, news and analysis, Dodgers Nation podcasts and videos, all the stats you want and more!
LA Baseball Report
Get the app for faster news
GET ×