Andy Pages, the Dodgers’ All-Star center fielder, is officially sidelined for about a month, man. He fractured his left hand Friday night after getting drilled by a screaming 100-mph fastball. Pages hit the injured list on Saturday, leaving a massive hole in the outfield.
A New Face In The Outfield Mix
To fill that void, the Dodgers wasted no time, calling up Alek Thomas from Triple-A Oklahoma City. And get this: Thomas isn’t just riding the bench. He’s making his Dodgers debut TONIGHT, starting in center field and batting eighth against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s rocking uniform number nine. Talk about a trial by fire, right? This kid’s got a huge opportunity in front of him.
From D-Backs To AAA Monster To The Big Show
The Dodgers actually snagged the 26-year-old Thomas from the Arizona Diamondbacks back on May 12, giving up minor league outfielder Jose Requena. Thomas was absolutely raking down in Oklahoma City, putting up some insane numbers in 55 games: a .296/.362/.493 slash line with a 108 wRC+. We’re talking seven home runs, 17 doubles, and three doubles. Yeah, you heard that right, the dude was just smashing doubles all over the place! It’s wild to think he was hitting a measly .181/.222/.340 with a 50 wRC+ in 28 games and 100 plate appearances for Arizona earlier this season before they designated him for assignment. That Triple-A performance? It’s a different player entirely.
But here’s the kicker: Thomas isn’t just a bat. He’s a defensive whiz in center field. Over 431 career games and 381 starts in his five major league seasons, he’s racked up 13 Outs Above Average and six Defensive Runs Saved. That glove is legit.
Tonight’s the night, man. Alek Thomas gets his shot in the big leagues with the Dodgers, stepping in for an All-Star. What’s he gonna do with it? Can he bring that Triple-A fire to the big stage and hold down center with that incredible defense? Dodgers fans, you gotta be hyped to see this kid play!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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