Cuban outfielder Andy Pagés is slated to make his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup this Tuesday as they face off against the San Diego Padres, according to manager Dave Roberts.
The player from Pinar del Río is coming back after approximately a month out, bypassing a minor league rehab assignment, as reported by Pelota Cubana on social media.
Pagés' absence began on August 21 when a 100.2 mph sinker from Bubba Chandler, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, struck the back of his left hand, fracturing his fifth metacarpal. The incident happened in the third inning, and while the Cuban initially stayed in the game, X-rays later confirmed the fracture, leading to his placement on the injured list.
To hasten his recovery, Pagés underwent a minor procedure involving the insertion of a compression screw in his left hand to aid bone healing. Roberts initially estimated a recovery period of four to five weeks, and Pagés is returning right on schedule.
Strategic Timing for the Dodgers
The timing couldn't be more advantageous for Los Angeles. The Dodgers, having already secured the National League West Division title with a 96-60 record, are now aiming for the best possible playoff seeding.
Before his injury, Pagés was enjoying his best season in Major League Baseball. His offensive stats of .272/.338/.458 with an OPS of .796 included 25 doubles, 21 home runs, and 80 RBIs, marking him as one of the team's most well-rounded hitters.
Defensive Excellence
Pagés has also made significant defensive contributions. With 17 defensive runs saved, he leads the National League and ranks second across the MLB, just behind Ceddanne Rafaela, who has 19.
The 2026 season began with a bang for the Havana native: he led the entire MLB in batting average, posting .413 and .370 in the early weeks. On May 7, he made history by hitting three home runs and driving in six runs in a single game against the Houston Astros.
Just two days before his injury, Pagés was on fire with three hits and was closing in on his personal home run record, making the interruption to his season all the more painful.
With his return, the Dodgers regain one of their most productive outfielders just as the regular season is winding down and the playoffs are on the horizon.
Andy Pagés' Return: Key Information
When is Andy Pagés returning to the Dodgers' lineup?
Andy Pagés is expected to rejoin the Dodgers' lineup on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres.
What injury did Andy Pagés sustain?
Andy Pagés suffered a fracture to his fifth metacarpal in his left hand after being hit by a pitch.
How did Andy Pagés perform before his injury?
Before his injury, Pagés had a batting line of .272/.338/.458 with 21 home runs and 80 RBIs, marking his best season in MLB.