Full Breakdown
Andy Pages Fractures Left Hand in Dodgers-Pirates Game
8/22/2026, 11:21:33 AM
Core Event
On August 21, 2026, Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages was struck on the back of his left hand by a 100 mph fastball from Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler. The pitch hit Pages in the third inning; he stayed in the game briefly before being replaced in center field by Kiké Hernández in the fifth inning. X-rays confirmed a fracture, and the injury is expected to sideline Pages for four to five weeks, though it is not considered season-ending.
Background & Context
The Dodgers entered the series having won seven of their last ten games and seeking their first four-game winning streak since the July 21-25 stretch. They had previously taken two of three games against the Pirates at PNC Park from June 9-11 and held an 8-2 record at Dodger Stadium against Pittsburgh since 2023. The win on August 21 was a 5-4 walk-off victory in ten innings, secured by Tommy Edman’s bottom-of-the-10th single.
Data & Statistics
- Andy Pages: .272 batting average, 25 home runs, 80 RBIs; first All-Star selection of the season.
- Bubba Chandler (Pirates): 6-8 record, 4.23 ERA (season).
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers starter): 12-7 record, 2.60 ERA, 136 strikeouts to 34 walks in 145.1 innings.
- Projected recovery: 4-5 weeks on the disabled list.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts also noted that utility player Tommy Edman could cover center field during Pages’ absence.
On-the-Ground Reports
During the third inning, after the hit, Pages was examined at first base by Roberts and a trainer but remained in the game. He continued to play defense in the fourth inning before being substituted. The incident did not alter the Dodgers’ momentum; they rallied later in the game, with Shohei Ohtani walking, Max Muncy hitting his 26th home run, and Mookie Betts delivering a two-run single that helped secure the win.
Verbatim Quotes
- “X-rays unfortunately came up as a fracture so he'll be out for a while,” — Dave Roberts, manager
- “I would expect him back, knowing him, on the earlier side. There's still time in the season for him to be back. I feel for him because he's having such a good year.” — Dave Roberts, manager
- “A week ago, we were in a dark place, and it was just good to see us come back this series and play the way we’re capable of,” — Dave Roberts, manager
What’s Next
Pages is expected to begin a rehabilitation program within the next few days, with a tentative return window of late September if recovery proceeds as projected. The Dodgers will continue their NL West push, relying on depth players such as Hernández and Edman to fill the center-field role during Pages’ absence.
