The Los Angeles Dodgers went into their series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers looking to force a Game 163 tiebreaker for the National League West and were off to a great start behind Walker Buehler.
However, the game was brought to a halt in the third inning when Max Muncy had his left arm bent awkwardly as he went to field a throw from Will Smith. Muncy immediately went down and was writhing in pain as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and trainer Dodgers trainer Yosuke “Possum” Nakajima checked on him.
Muncy sat up as he continued to be tended to before laying down for a couple more minutes. He eventually rose to his feet and walked slowly off the field. Albert Pujols entered the game at first base.
The Dodgers later announced Muncy came out the game due to a left elbow injury. The team is just days removed from likely losing Clayton Kershaw for the year as he was placed on the 10-day injured list due to left forearm discomfort.
Roberts said after Sunday’s win that initial examinations of Muncy’s left elbow were “unclear,” but he was unlikely to play in the Wild Card Game. Roberts was hopeful of a potential return later in the postseason should the Dodgers still be alive.
For now they could rely on some combination of Cody Bellinger and Matt Beaty at first base. Bellinger has primarily played the outfield due to his history of shoulder trouble, but he could be pressed back into duty at first base.
Some of that would be made possible by Gavin Lux adequately taking on a role in center field, but the trickle down effect could also involve an everyday role for both Chris Taylor and AJ Pollock.
Offensively, Muncy leads the Dodgers this season in home runs (36) and RBI (94).
Dodgers settle for Wild Card
The Dodgers tied a franchise record with 106 wins but still finished behind the San Francisco Giants in the NL West standings and will play in the Wild Card Game.
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