UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers received a vital boost as Max Muncy returned to the lineup on Monday night, revitalizing hopes for the struggling team. Muncy, who missed 23 games due to an oblique injury, aims to reinvigorate the Dodgers’ offense against the Colorado Rockies.
Muncy, hitting .258 with 17 home runs and 64 RBIs this season, stepped back onto the field after being sidelined since August 15, 2023. This marked his second stint on the injured list this season, following a month-long absence due to a left knee bone bruise.
“It’s a big boost,”
said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts ahead of the game.
“We’ve been waiting for this one for a long time, not to add any pressure to Max.”
Muncy was slotted fourth in the batting order, right behind stars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, indicating the team’s reliance on his left-handed bat. “The body feels in a good spot,” Muncy stated before the game. “This is kind of one of those rare rehab assignments where you’re not entirely worried about results. You’re just more worried about how is your body coming out of it.”
The Dodgers, currently leading the NL West, entered the game with a recent record of 1-5 during a challenging East Coast trip, including a surprising 4-3 loss to Baltimore. Muncy noted the importance of focusing on daily improvement, saying, “Time’s running out to climb out of it. The only team that we need to be worrying about is ourselves.”
With Muncy’s return, the Dodgers hope to regain their momentum as they prepare for a critical series against the Rockies, sitting just one game ahead of second-place San Diego. They trail Philadelphia by four games for the National League’s No. 2 seed, with the division leaders heading to Los Angeles next week.
In a strategic move, catcher Chuckie Robinson was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room for Muncy, emphasizing the urgency and competitiveness within the Dodgers’ roster.
As the Dodgers navigate this crucial stretch, Muncy’s impact could be the key to turning their season around. Fans are eager to see if he can deliver the offensive punch the team desperately needs.