Dodgers Weigh Moving Hot-Hitting Andy Pages Up in Lineup

Young slugger's breakout season sparks debate over optimal batting order

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:40am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's batting motion, with sharp planes of Dodger blue and white creating a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of the Dodgers' rising star Andy Pages' powerful swing, capturing the dynamic energy of his breakout season.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering moving 24-year-old outfielder Andy Pages up in their batting order after his scorching start to the 2026 MLB season. Pages is leading the league in batting average and ranks fourth in on-base plus slugging percentage, making him one of the hottest hitters in baseball. However, the Dodgers must weigh the potential benefits and risks of elevating Pages in the lineup, especially with star outfielder Mookie Betts still recovering from injury.

Why it matters

Pages' breakout performance could have a significant impact on the Dodgers' lineup and team chemistry if he is moved up. Elevating him could boost the overall production of the offense, but it also carries the risk of increased pressure and expectations that could potentially disrupt his current success.

The details

Through the first month of the season, Pages is batting .365 with a 1.045 OPS, leading the league in both categories. His hard-hit rate, bat speed, exit velocity, and barrel percentage all rank among the MLB's elite. However, Pages has historically been a bottom-of-the-order hitter, and the Dodgers must weigh whether his breakout is sustainable enough to warrant a promotion in the lineup.

  • The 2026 MLB season is currently in its first month of play.
  • Mookie Betts is expected to return from injury in 4-6 weeks.

The players

Andy Pages

A 24-year-old outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is currently leading the league in batting average and ranking fourth in on-base plus slugging percentage.

Mookie Betts

The Dodgers' star outfielder who is currently recovering from an injury and expected to return in 4-6 weeks.

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What’s next

The Dodgers will monitor Mookie Betts' recovery timeline and Pages' continued performance before making a decision on whether to move him up in the batting order.

The takeaway

The Dodgers face a complex decision on whether to elevate the red-hot Andy Pages in their lineup, as his breakout could provide a significant boost to the offense but also carries the risk of increased pressure and expectations that could disrupt his current success.