Dodgers' Andy Pages breaks hand, placed on injured list; Alek Thomas recalled

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages will miss 4-5 weeks after breaking his left hand when hit by a pitch during a game against the Pirates. Pages, an All-Star this year, was placed on the 10-day injured list.

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He was diagnosed with a fractured bone and will be out for 4-5 weeks.

The Dodgers recalled outfielder Alek Thomas from their Triple-A affiliate to fill the roster spot. Thomas, originally a second-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018, was a highly touted prospect for three consecutive years. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and played a key role in the Diamondbacks' 2023 World Series run, hitting four home runs in 17 postseason games.

However, Thomas has struggled to meet expectations in the majors, with a below-average batting performance. His OPS+ was a dismal 56 in 28 games this season before being designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks in May. The Dodgers acquired him afterward. In 55 games for the Dodgers' Triple-A team, Thomas batted .296 with a .855 OPS, seven home runs, and 40 RBIs.

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Thomas was immediately placed in the starting lineup batting eighth in center field.

Manager Dave Roberts immediately placed Thomas in the starting lineup as the No. 8 hitter in center field for the upcoming game against the Pirates. Roberts indicated that Thomas would play center field against right-handed pitchers. Decisions for games against left-handed pitchers are still pending, with Kiké Hernández or Tommy Edman potentially taking over, which could also affect Max Muncy's playing time.

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If the opponent is a right-handed pitcher, Thomas will play center field.