Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages exits game with left-hand contusion

Los Angeles Dodgers centre fielder Andy Pages departed from the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, 21 August 2026, following an injury sustained in the third inning. The outfielder was hit in the hand by a 100 MPH fastball, an incident that caused immediate pain but did not force him from the field immediately.

Pages remained in the game through the top of the fourth inning, where he continued to defend centre field. He did not come to bat in the bottom of the fourth as his turn had not yet arrived. However, in the top of the fifth inning, the Dodgers opted to remove him from the lineup, replacing him with Kike Hernandez.

The team officially announced the diagnosis as a left-hand contusion. Given Pages’ status as a key contributor to the squad, the organisation indicated it was being extra cautious with the player’s recovery. The long-term timeline for his return has not yet been confirmed, though the club is monitoring the situation closely.

Pages has been one of the Dodgers’ most consistent players this season, recognised for his elite centre field defence and contact hitting. He made his first All-Star team in 2026 and has maintained a .272 batting average, with 21 home runs and 80 runs batted in. His durability has been a significant asset, making the injury a notable disruption to the team’s defensive structure.

The Dodgers have several alternative options to cover the outfield position. In addition to Hernandez, the roster includes Tommy Edman and Alex Call. Down in Triple-A, Zach Ehrhard is also identified as a viable option for centre field. Manager Dave Roberts has also confirmed that Kyle Tucker will start the upcoming home series against the Pirates.

The absence of Pages is expected to impact the team’s defensive performance, as the replacement players have limited experience at that specific position. The Dodgers will need to manage the transition carefully as they continue their 2026 campaign.