San Francisco Giants Legend Mike Krukow Moves Fans With Special Thank You to Dodgers Nation and Los Angeles Broadcasters

LOS ANGELES, California. The Dodgers received a major roster boost right before an important three game series against the Padres, as the postseason race enters its decisive stage. Two important players have officially been activated from the injured list, giving Dave Roberts valuable additional options on both offense and the pitching staff. The timing of their return is especially ideal as Los Angeles looks to protect its postseason position and pursue a first round bye before the playoffs begin. Those two names are Andy Pages and Roki Sasaki, players the Dodgers activated on September 21 after lengthy injury recoveries. Pages had been sidelined for nearly a month with a fractured hand after being hit by a 100.2 mph pitch from Bubba Chandler in August. The 25 year old center fielder had to go through a recovery process but still managed to return with as many as six regular season games remaining to regain his rhythm. Before the injury, Pages was having a standout season with a .272 batting average, 21 home runs, 80 RBI and a .797 OPS while serving as the regular center fielder. That performance earned Pages his first selection to the All Star Game, marking an important step forward in his first full season. During Pages’ absence, the Dodgers had to use Tommy Edman in center field, making this return an important boost to Roberts’ lineup flexibility. Sasaki also returned after being sidelined since late August because of a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand, an issue that caused the Dodgers to be especially cautious. The 24 year old pitcher currently owns a 5 win, 5 loss record, a 4.60 ERA and 117 strikeouts across 23 starts this season. More notably, Sasaki posted a 3.05 ERA over seven starts after the All Star break before the injury, showing that his form had improved significantly. The Dodgers are considering using his arm strength out of the bullpen during the postseason, an option that could add velocity and depth to the pitching staff. An editorial quote modeled after the spirit of Dave Roberts could be: “It feels like we just completed two massive additions at the same time. One can change the way opponents approach our entire lineup, while the other is capable of directly affecting how we build our pitching staff. Those two guys are showing up at the most important time of the season.” The simultaneous return of the two players forced the Dodgers to adjust the roster, with Emmet Sheehan and catcher Eliezer Alfonzo being sent down to Triple A Oklahoma City. The series against the Padres carries major significance because San Diego is pursuing a postseason spot, while the Dodgers want to strengthen their position and secure an advantage in the playoffs. Pages can immediately add power to the lineup, while Sasaki gives Los Angeles a pitching weapon capable of handling multiple roles depending on Roberts’ plan. Los Angeles could also receive additional reinforcements as other injured players continue moving closer to returning, allowing the postseason roster to gradually come together at the right time. With Pages returning with the power of 21 home runs and Sasaki bringing 117 strikeouts, the Dodgers have added two notable weapons without needing to make another transaction. With only a few games remaining before the postseason, Dave Roberts now has an opportunity to use the series against the Padres as the final test to determine exactly how the two returning weapons will be used.