The Los Angeles Dodgers clinching their second straight World Series title didn't shield center fielder Andy Pages from some harsh postseason critiques. Pages struggled mightily at the plate last October, hitting below .100, which left many Dodgers fans clamoring for a lineup change against the Toronto Blue Jays. However, as Opening Day rolled around, Pages seemed poised to rewrite his narrative.
The Dodgers took a moment to find their rhythm against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, perhaps still basking in the glow of their pregame ring ceremony. But it was Pages who flipped the switch, launching a three-run homer off Zac Gallen in the fifth inning. That blast set the tone for an 8-2 victory, putting the Dodgers on autopilot for the rest of the game.
Pages ended the day with two hits in four at-bats, driving in three runs with that pivotal home run. It was a timely reminder of his regular-season prowess last year, despite his postseason woes.
For those quick to doubt Pages after his World Series slump, it's worth noting that he posted the third-highest wRC+ among Dodgers with qualified plate appearances last season, clocking in at 113. Only Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman topped him. While Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández faced their own challenges, Pages' regular-season contributions were significant.
With an offseason that saw the Dodgers bolster their lineup with stars like Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz, they're once again favorites to capture the World Series crown. Yet, as last season taught them, games aren't won on paper.
Opening Day often sparks overreactions, but Pages' performance on Thursday was undeniably encouraging. His postseason swing seemed broken, but his offseason dedication is paying off.
While his World Series struggles aren't forgotten, Pages' Opening Day heroics are a promising step forward.