Dodgers’ Andy Pages Sharpens Plate Discipline Against Paul Skenes
Toronto — Dodgers’ Andy Pages spent extensive time with the Trajekt machine during the offseason and spring training. He logged about 30 to 60 minutes a day refining swing decisions and timing.
The virtual-reality simulator reproduces a pitcher’s release point, arm angle, and pitch movement. Pages said he intentionally worked on pitches with dramatic movement.
Targeting elite movement
He focused early on Paul Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young winner. Pages would start game preparation with Skenes’ repertoire, then shift to that night’s starter.
Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc noted Pages is one of the team’s most frequent Trajekt users. Van Scoyoc described Skenes’ signature pitch as a tumbling sinker with extreme movement.
Measurable gains in plate discipline
Last season, Pages swung at 33% of pitches outside the strike zone and posted a 27% chase rate. This season, his out-of-zone swing rate is 30.8%, with a chase rate down to 18.6%.
Statcast shows a jump in how often he “squared up” the ball. That mark rose to 48% this year from 33% a year ago.
Those changes translated to a hot start. He had multiple hits in seven of the team’s first ten games and three homers in the opening eight games.
Even after a four-strikeout game on Wednesday, Pages led the majors with a .413 batting average. He also had an MLB-high 19 hits through Wednesday.
What prompted the adjustment
Pages produced a breakout campaign last year with 27 home runs and a .772 OPS. Yet he began that season hitting just .159 after 20 games, with 22 strikeouts in his first 63 at-bats.
He struggled in the postseason, going 4 for 51 (.078) and losing a World Series start. Those stretches helped convince him to change his approach.
Coaching, identity and outlook
Manager Dave Roberts praised Pages for valuing the strike zone and understanding count leverage. Van Scoyoc said Pages has gained clarity and prioritized better swing choices.
Pages still identifies as an aggressive hitter and does not want to abandon that trait. Coaches note that plate discipline can be developed through focused, intentional work.
Dodgers’ Andy Pages has sharpened his plate discipline by practicing against movement-heavy offerings like those of Paul Skenes. The targeted training appears to be paying off.
Up next, the Rangers will send right-hander Kumar Rocker (0-1, 3.60 ERA) to face Dodgers righty Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 3.00 ERA). First pitch is Friday at 7:10 p.m., on SportsNet LA and 570 AM.
