Dave Roberts reveal benching could be in order if this Dodgers' starter continues to struggle in World Series

Douglas Santo

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Dave Roberts reveal benching could be in order if this Dodgers' starter continues to struggle in World Series image

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been powered by their pitching this postseason and that proved to be the case once again in Game 2 of the World Series.

Starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a complete game, allowing just one run on four hits and struck out eight batter.

However, the offense has struggled throughout the playoffs, and it's been more than one guy. Outfielder Andy Pages is one of the issues though, and his manager revealed on Sunday that his days in the starting lineup could be numbered if he doesn't pick up his production.

Dave Roberts reveals Pages' struggles could lead to benching

The Dodgers have struggled offensively in the 2025 postseason compared to their scoring ability throughout the regular season.

One major drop off in performance has been Pages. The Dodgers' outfielder hit.272 with a.774 OPS during the regular season, but his bat has fallen off a cliff in the postseason.

In the playoffs, Pages is hitting.093 with a.249 OPS. He has just four hits in the postseason, one RBI and has struck out 11 times.

On Sunday, Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts revealed the Dodgers' starter may not be in the starting lineup much longer if his struggles at the plate continue.

"He has struggled this postseason. What I need from him is to have quality at-bats, to be able to get on base, to win 3-2 pitches," Roberts said. "He’s playing very sound defense, which is a big part of why he’s in there."

When asked directly about Pages' chances of being benched, Roberts said it was "very fair," and continued to explain what he needs from Pages to stay in the lineup.

"Being in the nine hole, I’m not expecting him to carry the offense, but still be a contributor. I have contemplated other decisions," Roberts said. "I’m keeping a close eye on it. But yeah, I mean, I still need to see some kind of uptick in consistency of performance.

"So when and if I decide to change – I haven’t decided that, but I’m being mindful."

Despite Pages' struggles in the batter's box, his defense has still been elite in center field, and that's, what Roberts said, is what's keeping him name penciled in at this point.

If Roberts decides to bench Pages, the main other option for center field would be Alex Call. The young prospect only has four at-bats this postseason, but is 3-for-4.

The Dodgers also have Justin Dean, but he's played in 11 games defensively and only had one at-bat. The other options, Kike Hernández and Tommy Edman, are already being used in other positions in the starting lineup.

The Dodgers and Blue Jays get underway with Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night, and we'll see by Monday afternoon if Roberts continues to rely on his starting centerfielder, or if he pulls the plug on his offensive struggles.

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Editorial Team