LOS ANGELES — If there was any lingering tension from Monday night’s benches-clearing drama between the Dodgers and Padres, Andy Pages didn’t let it distract him. Instead, he channeled all that energy into a career night—going 4-for-4 with two home runs, including the game-tying blast after Shohei Ohtani was hit by a pitch and Dave Roberts was ejected.
For the 23-year-old Cuban center fielder, Tuesday’s game was about staying locked in on the plan.
“I’ve been trusting the work I’ve been doing,” Pages said through his interpreter postgame. “I stick to my routine every day, study the pitchers, look for good pitches in the zone, and try to connect well.”
He connected more than well—he crushed. His second home run of the night, a shot to left-center, erased a Padres lead and reenergized the dugout after Ohtani was drilled by a fastball and Roberts stormed out to defend his star, only to be tossed moments later.
“It felt good to tie the game,” Pages said. “But at the same time, it was frustrating in that moment with the hit-by-pitch, because we’re talking about the best player in the game. Nobody wants to see him leave a game due to injury.”
While emotions ran high, Pages insisted his focus remained on baseball, not retaliation or payback from Monday’s heated finale.
“I don’t think either of the hit-by-pitches tonight were on purpose,” he said. “And I don’t believe it had anything to do with last night. For me, that’s already in the past. I hope it’s in the past for them too. I don’t hold any grudges. I leave that behind.”
That maturity was on full display in the box, where Pages looked every bit the rising star Dodgers fans have been hoping for. Asked how much satisfaction he took in a performance like this—especially in the wake of Monday’s incident, where he was hit by a pitch himself, followed by Padres skipper Mike Shildt yelling the immortal question “Who the BLEEP do you think you are?” from the bench—Pages kept his response grounded.
“I’d say a day like today, with the way I played, any player would feel happy about that,” he said. “But it had nothing to do with yesterday. I just came out today trying to be better than I was yesterday, and things worked out.”
The night only fueled All-Star buzz around the young outfielder, who has emerged as one of the most impactful bats in the Dodgers’ lineup this summer. When asked what it would mean to be selected, Pages remained humble.
“Obviously it would be a great accomplishment,” he said. “Being an All-Star is a big thing for any player who wants to be there. But like I always say—if it happens, great. If not, it’s okay too.”
It’s that calm, collected mentality—paired with electric talent—that has endeared Pages to both teammates and fans. And when things got tense Tuesday night, he didn’t flinch. If anything, the chaos only gave him and the team another shot of adrenaline.
“When those things happen—one pitch here, one pitch there—it brings a rush of adrenaline to all the players,” he said. “But I think what Doc did, defending his player, was the right thing. That’s his job, and it motivates us.”
As the Dodgers continue to battle through a tough stretch in the schedule, Pages’ breakout couldn’t be better timed. With Mookie Betts still sidelined and the lineup needing a spark, the rookie’s production has provided a massive lift.
And for all the talk about Ohtani, Freeman, Smith, and Betts—Andy Pages is making his own case for being a central part of the Dodgers’ championship push.
Whether or not he ends up in Atlanta for the All-Star Game next month, one thing is clear: Pages has arrived, and he’s not backing down from the moment.
“I just want to win,” he said simply. “I want to win the series. That’s what pushes me.”
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