Andy Pages Targeting Tuesday Return Against Padres

Andy Pages now has a specific date in mind for his return to the Dodgers.

Pages told David Vassegh on Friday that he hopes to be activated Tuesday, September 22, when Los Angeles opens a three-game series against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.

That represents a more defined target than the previous expectation that Pages could return at some point during the Dodgers’ final regular-season homestand.

It is not, however, an official activation date.

Pages still needs to complete the final stages of his recovery and receive clearance from the Dodgers before returning to the lineup. For now, Tuesday is the date he is working toward.

Pages Has Missed Nearly Five Weeks

Pages has not played since suffering a fractured left hand against the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 21.

He was struck on the back of the hand by a 100.2 mph fastball from Bubba Chandler during the third inning. Pages initially remained in the game but was replaced defensively two innings later.

Imaging confirmed the fracture, and the Dodgers placed him on the 10-day injured list the following day. Pages subsequently underwent a minor procedure in which a compression screw was inserted to assist the healing process.

The initial recovery estimate was approximately four to five weeks.

A Tuesday return would place Pages near the end of that original timeline and allow him to appear in regular-season games before the Dodgers begin postseason play.

The fact that Pages is targeting Tuesday is encouraging, but the condition of his hand after hitting and defensive work will ultimately determine whether that plan becomes official.

Dodgers Have Missed Pages in Center Field

Pages was in the middle of the best season of his career when the injury occurred.

The 25-year-old was batting .272 with a .338 on-base percentage and a .458 slugging percentage across 128 games. He had already established career highs with 21 home runs and 80 RBIs while earning his first All-Star selection.

His absence has been felt beyond the lineup.

Pages started 125 of the Dodgers’ first 129 games in center field and provided stability at one of the most demanding defensive positions. At the time of his injury, he had recorded 18 defensive runs saved, nine outs above average and an MLB-leading 13 outfield assists.

Kiké Hernández, Tommy Edman and Alex Call have helped cover center field during his absence. Josue De Paula’s promotion has also given the Dodgers another outfield option, although his early opportunities have primarily been focused on getting his bat into the lineup.

Pages’ return would allow Dave Roberts to restore a natural center fielder while using Hernández and Edman more flexibly around the rest of the diamond.

Pages Could Use Final Week to Prepare for October

Returning Tuesday would give Pages approximately one week of regular-season games to regain his timing before the postseason.

That runway could be important after nearly five weeks without facing Major League pitching.

The Dodgers have already secured the National League West, but the remaining games will give several returning players an opportunity to prove they are healthy and prepared for October.

Pages does not need to immediately reproduce his pre-injury numbers. The initial priorities will be determining whether he can swing without discomfort, handle pitches inside and play center field without the hand affecting his defense.

His performance during that final week could also help Dave Roberts determine how Pages fits into the postseason lineup alongside Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernández and the Dodgers’ other outfield options.

Before the injury, Pages had earned a significant role through his combination of power, defense and availability. A healthy return would give the Dodgers back one of their most complete position players at an important time.

Tuesday Remains a Target, Not a Guarantee

Pages’ update is the clearest indication yet that his return is approaching.

Still, saying he hopes to play Tuesday is different from the Dodgers announcing that he will be activated Tuesday.

The club has not made a corresponding roster move, and Pages must continue progressing without a setback before that decision is finalized.

For now, the Dodgers have a more specific target.

If the final stages of his recovery go according to plan, Pages could be back in center field when the Padres arrive at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.