URGENT UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers face a critical setback as third baseman Max Muncy has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 oblique strain and has been placed on the injured list as of August 4, 2023. This development comes just as the team is struggling in the standings, now trailing the San Diego Padres by one game in the National League West.
Muncy was a late scratch from Wednesday’s lineup after experiencing soreness in his right side during pregame batting practice. The Dodgers had hoped that resting him during Thursday’s off day would allow for a quick recovery in time for a crucial series against their division rivals. However, he will miss not only this weekend’s games at Dodger Stadium but also next weekend’s series at Petco Park in San Diego.
“It’s certainly a tough loss,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I don’t think anyone expects it to be season-ending, but hopefully it’s sooner than later.” Roberts noted that while this injury is not as severe as last year’s knee issue that sidelined Muncy for about two months, he could still be out until mid-September.
Muncy had been performing well recently, boasting a batting average of .312 with 11 home runs in his last 41 games. However, he faced another setback after a collision at third base in July, which caused further missed time. Since returning on August 4, he recorded four home runs in just eight games but is now sidelined again at a critical moment for the reigning World Series champions.
The Dodgers’ situation is compounded by the fact that they have lost ground after holding a nine-game lead in the NL West as of July 3, 2023. They have since gone 12-21, falling behind a surging Padres team riding a five-game winning streak. Adding to the pressure, the Dodgers currently have as many as six high-leverage relievers on the injured list, although some are nearing returns.
With Muncy out, the Dodgers will rely on rookie Alex Freeland, who is batting just .176 in his first 12 games, and journeyman Buddy Kennedy, whose career batting average hovers around .193. Other potential reinforcements like Tommy Edman, Hyeseong Kim, and Enrique Hernandez remain unavailable.
Roberts emphasized the need for the remaining players to step up. “It’s hard to backfill Max, what he means, as far as the plate discipline, the slug, the on-base, all that stuff,” he said. “I feel good about our lineup, and they just have to go out there and take good at-bats. That’s all we can do right now.”
As the Dodgers navigate this challenging period, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts without their key power hitter. The urgency is palpable as they face a pivotal moment in their season.