Andy Pages, the young outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is facing significant challenges this postseason. He ended the regular season with a disappointing 4-for-32 performance and has continued to struggle in the playoffs.
Dodgers Continue Support for Underperforming Andy Pages
Pages went hitless in Game 1 of the World Series, making four appearances without getting on base, which brought his postseason numbers to a stark 3-for-39, a .077 batting average. He has yet to draw a walk in 43 plate appearances, although he has been hit by a pitch twice.
Manager’s Perspective on Pages
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, aware of Pages’ struggles, made the decision to drop him to the ninth spot in the batting order during the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. He emphasized the need for Pages to have quality at-bats and contribute offensively.
- Roberts on Pages’ current performance: “He has struggled this postseason.”
- Expectation from Pages: “I’m not expecting him to carry the offense.”
- Roberts acknowledges he might need to consider alternative lineup options if Pages’ performance does not improve.
Limited Lineup Options
Roberts’ alternatives for replacing Pages are somewhat limited. Tommy Edman, a potential candidate, has faced ankle issues throughout the season, making him a risky choice. Edman stated he would evaluate his condition post-season regarding potential surgery.
Others like Kiké Hernández and Alex Call haven’t had significant playing time in center field recently. Despite this, Roberts remains committed to Pages due to his strong defensive play.
Maintaining Confidence
The manager has been working closely with Pages to boost his confidence. Recognizing the challenges young players face, Roberts stressed the importance of mental stability for athletes during tough times.
Ohtani’s Booing and Fan Reactions
In a separate storyline, during Game 1, Toronto fans expressed their displeasure towards Shohei Ohtani during introductions. This reaction stemmed from false reports linking him to the Blue Jays before he ultimately joined the Dodgers.
- Fans chanted “We don’t need you” during Ohtani’s at-bat in the ninth inning.
- Roberts noted that Ohtani remained focused despite the crowd’s jeers.
The Road to Repeating as Champions
The Dodgers aim to become the first team since the New York Yankees (1998-2000) to win consecutive championships. Joe Carter, a former Blue Jays star, highlighted that complacency often hampers teams from repeating their successes.
He mentioned, “Winning a World Series can lead to a letdown the following year.” Emphasizing the challenges of maintaining intensity through a full season, Carter noted the unique dynamics of being a defending champion.
Upcoming Game Matchups
Looking ahead, Tyler Glasnow is set to start Game 3 for the Dodgers, while the Blue Jays will counter with veteran Max Scherzer. Game 4 will feature Ohtani for the Dodgers against Shane Bieber for the Blue Jays.
| Game | Matchup | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Game 3 | Blue Jays vs. Dodgers | Monday, 5 p.m. |
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Pages and his ability to overcome his recent struggles and make a significant contribution to the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.
