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Alek Thomas has been recalled by the Los Angeles Dodgers after All-Star outfielder Andy Pages suffered a fractured left hand during Friday night’s 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The move gives the Dodgers additional outfield depth as they navigate the latest injury to a key contributor during the second half of the MLB season.
Alek Thomas Returns as Dodgers Face Critical Outfield Change
Pages was hit on the back of his left hand by a pitch from Pittsburgh right-hander Bubba Chandler in the third inning. Although Pages stayed in the game initially and advanced to third base before the inning ended, he was replaced by Enrique Hernandez to begin the fifth inning.
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts later confirmed that X-rays revealed the fracture. Pages was placed on the injured list Saturday, and the Dodgers recalled Alek Thomas in a corresponding roster move.
The club has not indicated that Thomas will immediately take over all of Pages’ duties in center field. However, his recall provides the Dodgers with another athletic defensive option and greater flexibility across the outfield. Tommy Edman could also see time in center field while Pages is unavailable, Roberts said.
Encouraging Recovery Outlook for Andy Pages
Despite the seriousness of the injury, Roberts said the fracture is not expected to end Pages’ season. The manager estimated a recovery period of approximately four or five weeks and suggested that the 25-year-old could potentially return toward the earlier side of that timeline.
“It’s not season-ending because obviously things like that it’s four or five weeks,” Roberts said. “I would expect him back, knowing him, on the earlier side. There’s still time in the season for him to be back.”
Roberts also acknowledged that Pages could require surgery. Even so, the manager did not believe a procedure would necessarily alter the expected timetable for his return. The Dodgers will continue to monitor the injury before determining the next steps in his rehabilitation.
Why Alek Thomas Matters to Los Angeles
Thomas’ return comes at an important point in the Dodgers’ season. The club is relying on experienced players and versatile defenders to absorb the loss of Pages, who has delivered one of the strongest offensive seasons of his young career.
Pages is batting .272 with 21 home runs and 80 RBIs. He earned his first All-Star selection this season, making the hand injury especially disappointing for a player who had established himself as an important part of the Dodgers’ lineup.
With Pages sidelined, Los Angeles could use a combination of Thomas, Hernandez and Edman to manage the outfield workload. Their roles may vary depending on matchups, defensive needs and the health of the rest of the roster.
- Andy Pages: On the injured list with a fractured left hand.
- Alek Thomas: Recalled by the Dodgers to add outfield depth.
- Tommy Edman: A possible option in center field.
- Enrique Hernandez: Replaced Pages during Friday’s game.
Dodgers Hope to Keep Momentum During Pages’ Absence
The Dodgers defeated the Pirates 5-4, with Edman delivering the winning single in the 10th inning. The victory helped soften the impact of Pages’ injury, but the team now faces the challenge of maintaining its production while one of its top outfield bats recovers.
For Thomas, the recall represents an opportunity to contribute during a high-pressure stretch. His defensive ability can help stabilize the outfield, while his presence gives Roberts another option when setting daily lineups and managing late-game situations.
The Dodgers will likely remain cautious with Pages, particularly if surgery becomes necessary. The immediate objective is to protect the player’s long-term health while finding enough offense and defense to cover his absence. Thomas could become a meaningful part of that solution.
As per ESPN News Services, the Dodgers believe Pages has a realistic chance to return before the season concludes. Until then, Alek Thomas and the rest of Los Angeles’ flexible position players will be asked to help keep the club competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Alek Thomas recalled by the Dodgers?
Alek Thomas was recalled after Andy Pages fractured his left hand and was placed on the injured list. Thomas gives Los Angeles additional outfield depth.
How long could Andy Pages be out?
Dave Roberts said Pages could miss approximately four or five weeks. The manager also indicated that Pages may return earlier in that range if his recovery progresses well.
Will Andy Pages need surgery?
Roberts said surgery is possible, but he does not believe it would necessarily change the expected recovery timetable.
Who could play center field for the Dodgers?
Alek Thomas, Tommy Edman and Enrique Hernandez are among the players who could help cover center field while Pages is unavailable.
