Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages was set to step onto the major league stage against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday evening following his promotion from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Pages, a 23-year-old Cuban player, was slated to play in center field and bat seventh for the Dodgers. This opportunity comes after a strong showing in Triple-A, where he boasted a batting average of .371 along with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 15 games. This impressive performance followed a period of recovery from surgery last June to mend a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his excitement for Pages’ debut, praising his hitting prowess and power.
The absence of outfielder Jason Heyward, sidelined since March 30 due to lower back tightness, has created a void in the team’s lineup. This gap has been felt, with players filling in struggling to match Heyward’s performance. Kike Hernandez and Chris Taylor have faced difficulties at the plate, with Taylor Trammell, brought up on April 3, ultimately being designated for assignment after a challenging start.
Roberts acknowledged the team’s struggles in Heyward’s absence, attributing some of the challenges to his sidelined status. With uncertainty surrounding Heyward’s return timeline, the Dodgers opted to give Pages an extended opportunity, expecting him to stay with the team for at least two weeks.
In addition to Pages’ call-up, the Dodgers made several other roster moves involving players from Oklahoma City. Left-hander Nick Ramirez and right-hander Ricky Vanasco were optioned, while the contract of right-hander Eduardo Salazar was selected, and right-hander Kyle Hart was recalled.
