Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Tucker are struggling, allowing the Dodgers' youth movement to thrive. Andy Pages has emerged as a key player, hitting three home runs in a recent victory over the Astros.
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Shohei Ohtani's struggles give Dodgers youth movement time to shine
As Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Tucker have struggled at the plate, the Los Angeles Dodgers have discovered a new steadying force.
A youth movement.
Andy Pages, the 25-year-old centerfielder, hit three home runs and helped power the Dodgers past the Houston Astros 12-2 on Wednesday, May 6. This season, he has eight home runs, second most on the team, and leads the team in batting average at .336.
Dalton Rushing, the 25-year-old backup catcher, went 2-for-5 in the victory over the Astros. He is third on the team in home runs with seven and his slugging percentage is a robust .724.
Hyeseong Kim, the 27-year-old backup shortstop, also went 2-for-5 in the same game against the Astros. Known as "The Comet'' for his speed, Kim is tied for second in steals on the Dodgers with five and he's batting .314.
In other words, as the trio's contributions are no aberration as the 31-year-old Ohtani and the 29-year-old Tucker look for their old form. And the added youth is undeniable, considering seven of the team's regular starters in a healthy lineup are on average 32 ½ years old.
And so Pages, Rushing and Kim have helped keep the Dodgers atop the NL West.
Pages on fire: Dodgers' Andy Pages continues insane season, has first 3-homer game of MLB career
Ohtani's struggles have allowed the Dodgers' youth movement, particularly players like Andy Pages, to take center stage and contribute significantly.
Andy Pages is having an impressive season, hitting eight home runs and leading the team with a batting average of .336.
The Dodgers defeated the Astros 12-2, with Andy Pages hitting three home runs during the game.
Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Tucker are the key players struggling at the plate for their respective teams.
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April 21, 2026: Shohei Ohtani bats against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp at Oracle Park.
Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani celebrates with teammates in the clubhouse after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium.
Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani hit three home runs and pitched six scoreless innings in one of the greatest performances in MLB playoff history. The Dodgers won the game, 5-1, to advance to the World Series.
Oct. 4, 2025: Shohei Ohtani made his first postseason pitching appearance in NLDS Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Los Angeles Dodgers prevailed, 5-3, and Ohtani got the win.
Sept. 9, 2025: Shohei Ohtani steals second base under the tag of Colorado Rockies second baseman Tyler Freeman during the third inning at Dodger Stadium.
Aug. 27, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is interviewed by Spectrum SportsNet reporter David Vassegh (right) alongside translator Will Ireton after a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium.
Aug. 20, 2025: Shohei Ohtani delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
July 15, 2025: Shohei Ohtani does an interview on the red carpet before the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta.
June 16, 2025: Shohei Ohtani makes his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.
April 2, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is greeted at home after hitting a walk-off home run against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. The Los Angeles Dodgers won the game, 6-5, on what was Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night.
March 19, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is introduced and enters the field before the Los Angeles Dodgers' game against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. The Dodgers won the game, 6-3.
March 18, 2025: The scoreboard at the Tokyo Dome shows a photo of the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani before the season opener against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series. The Dodgers won the game, 4-1.
Nov. 1, 2024: Shohei Ohtani holds his dog, Decoy, as he walks with off the field his wife Mamiko Tanaka following the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series championship celebration at Dodger Stadium.
Oct. 31, 2024: Shohei Ohtani celebrates with the Commissioner’s Trophy after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 4 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
Oct. 30, 2024: Shohei Ohtani (17) and the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees in Game 4 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
Sept. 19, 2024: Shohei Ohtani reacts to a standing ovation from the fans after hitting his 50th home run of the season. He hit it against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at loanDepot Park.
Aug. 28, 2024: Shohei Ohtani with his dog Decoy after he delivered he first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium.
Aug. 24: Shohei Ohtani is doused after he joined the 40-40 club with a walk-off grand slam.
July 25, 2024: Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium.
July 16, 2024: Shohei Ohtani celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the third inning of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.
July 16, 2024: Shohei Ohtani walks the red carpet with wife Mamiko Tanaka before the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.
April 29, 2024: Shohei Ohtani breaks for third base against the Diamondbacks.
April 26, 2024: Shohei Ohtani rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Blue Jays.
April 24, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gestures to his dugout at second base after hitting an RBI double against the Nationals.
April 23, 2024: Shohei Ohtani in the outfield during a throwing session prior to the Dodgers' game.
April 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a solo homer against the Mets during the third inning at Dodger Stadium.
April 12, 2024: Shohei Ohtani is showered with sunflower seeds after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Padres.
April 9, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a fly ball against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
April 7, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gestures after hitting a one-run double against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
April 5, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
April 2, 2024: Shohei Ohtani waits on deck in the first inning against the Giants at Dodger Stadium.
March 28, 2024: Shohei Ohtani makes his Opening Day debut against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.
March 20, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gets his first hit as a Dodger in the third inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game against the Padres.
March 20, 2024: Mamiko Tanaka, wife of Shohei Ohtani, watches Ohtani's debut as a Dodger in the season opener in Seoul, South Korea.
March 13, 2024: Shohei Ohtani signs autographs before the spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch.
March 5, 2024: Shohei Ohtani talks with former Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout before a spring game.
March 3, 2024: Shohei Ohtani looks on from the dugout during a spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch.
Feb 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani (left) and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto poses during picture day at Camelback Ranch.
Feb 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani poses for a portrait during picture day at Camelback Ranch.
Feb. 14, 2024: Shohei Ohtani takes batting practice during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch.
Dec. 21, 2023: Shohei Ohtani and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (right) pose with Los Angeles Rams mascot Rampage at SoFi Stadium.
Dec. 14, 2023: Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pose for pictures during the press conference.
Dec. 14, 2023: Shohei Ohtani is introduced by the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time at a press conference at Dodger Stadium.
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April 21, 2026: Shohei Ohtani bats against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp at Oracle Park.
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April 21, 2026: Shohei Ohtani bats against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp at Oracle Park.
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Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani celebrates with teammates in the clubhouse after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium.
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Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani hit three home runs and pitched six scoreless innings in one of the greatest performances in MLB playoff history. The Dodgers won the game, 5-1, to advance to the World Series.
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Oct. 4, 2025: Shohei Ohtani made his first postseason pitching appearance in NLDS Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Los Angeles Dodgers prevailed, 5-3, and Ohtani got the win.
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Sept. 9, 2025: Shohei Ohtani steals second base under the tag of Colorado Rockies second baseman Tyler Freeman during the third inning at Dodger Stadium.
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Aug. 27, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is interviewed by Spectrum SportsNet reporter David Vassegh (right) alongside translator Will Ireton after a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium.
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Aug. 20, 2025: Shohei Ohtani delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
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July 15, 2025: Shohei Ohtani does an interview on the red carpet before the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta.
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June 16, 2025: Shohei Ohtani makes his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.
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April 2, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is greeted at home after hitting a walk-off home run against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. The Los Angeles Dodgers won the game, 6-5, on what was Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night.
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March 19, 2025: Shohei Ohtani is introduced and enters the field before the Los Angeles Dodgers' game against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. The Dodgers won the game, 6-3.
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March 18, 2025: The scoreboard at the Tokyo Dome shows a photo of the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani before the season opener against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series. The Dodgers won the game, 4-1.
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Nov. 1, 2024: Shohei Ohtani holds his dog, Decoy, as he walks with off the field his wife Mamiko Tanaka following the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series championship celebration at Dodger Stadium.
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Oct. 31, 2024: Shohei Ohtani celebrates with the Commissioner’s Trophy after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 4 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
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Oct. 30, 2024: Shohei Ohtani (17) and the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees in Game 4 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
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Sept. 19, 2024: Shohei Ohtani reacts to a standing ovation from the fans after hitting his 50th home run of the season. He hit it against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at loanDepot Park.
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Aug. 28, 2024: Shohei Ohtani with his dog Decoy after he delivered he first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium.
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Aug. 24: Shohei Ohtani is doused after he joined the 40-40 club with a walk-off grand slam.
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July 25, 2024: Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium.
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July 16, 2024: Shohei Ohtani celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the third inning of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.
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July 16, 2024: Shohei Ohtani walks the red carpet with wife Mamiko Tanaka before the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.
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April 29, 2024: Shohei Ohtani breaks for third base against the Diamondbacks.
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April 26, 2024: Shohei Ohtani rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Blue Jays.
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April 24, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gestures to his dugout at second base after hitting an RBI double against the Nationals.
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April 23, 2024: Shohei Ohtani in the outfield during a throwing session prior to the Dodgers' game.
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April 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a solo homer against the Mets during the third inning at Dodger Stadium.
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April 12, 2024: Shohei Ohtani is showered with sunflower seeds after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Padres.
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April 9, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a fly ball against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
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April 7, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gestures after hitting a one-run double against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
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April 5, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
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April 2, 2024: Shohei Ohtani waits on deck in the first inning against the Giants at Dodger Stadium.
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March 28, 2024: Shohei Ohtani makes his Opening Day debut against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.
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March 20, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gets his first hit as a Dodger in the third inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game against the Padres.
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March 20, 2024: Mamiko Tanaka, wife of Shohei Ohtani, watches Ohtani's debut as a Dodger in the season opener in Seoul, South Korea.
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March 13, 2024: Shohei Ohtani signs autographs before the spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch.
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March 5, 2024: Shohei Ohtani talks with former Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout before a spring game.
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March 3, 2024: Shohei Ohtani looks on from the dugout during a spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch.
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Feb 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani (left) and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto poses during picture day at Camelback Ranch.
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Feb 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani poses for a portrait during picture day at Camelback Ranch.
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Feb. 14, 2024: Shohei Ohtani takes batting practice during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch.
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Dec. 21, 2023: Shohei Ohtani and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (right) pose with Los Angeles Rams mascot Rampage at SoFi Stadium.
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Dec. 14, 2023: Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pose for pictures during the press conference.
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Dec. 14, 2023: Shohei Ohtani is introduced by the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time at a press conference at Dodger Stadium.
Youth is a burst of adrenaline. But the young trio’s success is rooted in statistics.
Take a closer look.
Pages is tied for the MLB lead in RBIs with 33, third in batting average at .326 and fourth in hits with 46. He also leads the Dodgers in steals with six.
Rushing has belted seven home runs in 58 at-bats. By contrast, Ohtani has six home runs in 129 at-bats. It's taken Turner 139 trips to the plate to belt four home runs and Freeman has three home runs in 140 at-bats. Rushing is batting .328 and his on-base percentage is an impressive 400.
Kim, in addition to his five steals and .314 batting average, has eight RBIs and 10 runs scored in 70 trips to the plate. Nicknamed "The Comet'' for his speed, Kim also has one of the team's two triples.
Ohtani's struggles: Has Shohei Ohtani peaked? Putting his quiet start at the plate into perspective
The Dodgers have developed a shopping addiction when it comes to free agency. These days, they buy most of their star players, but as this season has served as evidence, not everything has to be store-bought.
Homegrown can work just as well, especially when a bevy of All-Stars on the 26-man rosters means there’s no rush to get prospects to the big leagues.
Pages defected from his home country of Cuba and the Dodgers signed him for $300,000 when he was 17, then gave him six years to develop before calling him up to the big leagues in 2024.
The Dodgers picked Rushing in the second round of the 2022 draft, signed him for $2 million and then allowed him to refine his skills during three-plus seasons in the minors before calling him to the big leagues in 2025.
Kim was store-bought, with the Dodgers signing him to a three-year, $12.5 million deal after playing four years of pro ball in South Korea.
It’s pricey to attend a Dodgers game these days. With ticket prices and concession prices having spiked, the team has explained that they make a lot of money.
Homegrown talent helps demonstrate how teams can save money.
This year, the Dodgers have a total payroll of $296 million, per Spotrac, and Ohtani, Freeman, and Tucker account for 37% of that -- $101 million.
Pages, who will make $800,000 this season, and Rushing, who will make $790,00, account for less than 1% of the team's overall assets.
This is the kind of business plan that will hopefully help reduce the price of beer, Dodger dogs, and seats anywhere at Dodger Stadium. In celebration of Pages, Rushing and Kim, there’s no reason to wait.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers youth movement rises as Shohei Ohtani struggles