Dodgers’ Andy Pages Suffers Fractured Hand After Hit By Pitch

Los Angeles -- The Los Angeles Dodgers will face a significant challenge in the final stretch of the regular season after All-Star center fielder Andy Pages suffered a fractured hand following a hit-by-pitch incident during their 5-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 22, 2026. The injury occurred in the third inning when Pirates right-handed pitcher Bubba Chandler struck Pages with a 100.2 mph sinker. Pages remained in the game through the fourth inning before being replaced by Kiké Hernández in the fifth. The injury has sidelined Pages for approximately four to five weeks, according to team officials. The hit-by-pitch came just days after Pages had been performing at a high level, contributing significantly to the Dodgers' offensive output. His absence will create a void in the outfield, particularly in center field, where his speed and defensive skills were crucial. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the difficulty of replacing Pages, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong defensive capabilities in the position. “You’ve got to be mindful of the defense, certainly in center field,” Roberts stated. “Somebody that can handle center field.” Roberts expressed confidence that Pages would return closer to the anticipated timeline, noting that the player’s work ethic and desire to compete often led him to recover faster than expected. However, the timing of the injury could prove costly for the Dodgers, especially given the late stage of the season. With only a few games remaining, the team must quickly adapt to the loss of its key center fielder. To address the immediate need, the Dodgers have turned to several options. Kiké Hernández, already part of the roster, took over in center field for the remainder of the game. Additionally, the team called up outfielder Alek Thomas, providing further flexibility in the lineup. Alex Call, another available option, is also under consideration for potential playing time. These moves highlight the urgency of finding a reliable replacement capable of handling the demands of center field. The hit-by-pitch itself drew attention due to the velocity of the pitch, which exceeded 100 miles per hour. While such pitches are not uncommon in Major League Baseball, the impact on Pages was severe enough to require medical evaluation and subsequent diagnosis of a hand fracture. The incident occurred during a pivotal moment in the game, as the Dodgers were building momentum toward a dramatic 10th-inning walk-off single by Tommy Edman, which secured the victory. The situation underscores the physical toll of the sport and the unpredictable nature of injuries, even in a controlled environment. Pages’ injury adds to the list of challenges facing the Dodgers in their pursuit of a playoff berth. With limited time left in the regular season, the team faces the daunting task of adjusting its strategy while ensuring continued competitiveness. As the Dodgers prepare for the remainder of the schedule, the focus will remain on maintaining defensive integrity and offensive production. The decision regarding Pages’ long-term availability will likely be finalized in the coming days, with the hope that he can return in time to contribute to the team’s postseason aspirations. For now, the organization must rely on its depth and adaptability to navigate this unexpected setback.