The Los Angeles Dodgers have dealt with some shuffling parts with their outfield early on this season, having to work in several options to find at-bats.
Dodgers rookie Andy Pages has begun to earn his way into more playing time, which falls in line with the team’s original plan of providing him with a long runway. In his 57 games, he’s batted .264/.318/.429 with 11 doubles, eight homers and 22 RBI.
Pages’ 114 wRC+ ranks ninth of rookies around Major League Baseball, alongside budding San Diego Padres star Jackson Merrill.
The Dodgers have taken note of their own outfielder’s resurgence after some rookie struggles, making huge improvements as of late, per Dennis Georgatos of the Southern California News Group:
“Yes. Pleasantly surprised, because it is not easy. He’s a very smart player. He lives and breathes baseball. He’s got a high baseball IQ. He’s not afraid to work,” Roberts said. “And he doesn’t run from big spots, where certain players do. He fought, he fought when he was scuffling (earlier). He continued to work, remained confident, fought in the batter’s box and competed. He’s got to the other side, so that shows me a lot.”
Pages looks more refined in the batter’s box during his recent run and since the start of June, he’s improved on both his walk rate (12%) and strike out rate (21.3%). He’s also amassed a 169 wRC+ in his 75 plate appearances this month.
Pages ranks fourth in hard hit rate (44.1%), also improving on his overall barrel rate in his last 18 games.
Despite his minor step back in May, Pages figures to be a staple in the Dodgers’ outfield as the season goes on.
How vital is Andy Pages to Dodgers lineup?
To avoid another catastrophe with having to address another position in the outfield, the Dodgers desperately need Pages to further establish himself.
Already having Teoscar Hernández in either corner spot, Pages holding down center field is a key piece. He provides them with a wealth of pop, athleticism and an aggressive style of base running.
If the front office does decide to pursue a center field option to play every day, Pages in a corner position would do nothing but improve the overall base of their outfield.
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!
