UPDATE (Aug. 29, 10:25 p.m. PT): Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said X-rays on Max Muncy’s wrist was negative, however he faces additional testing on Friday.
Shortly after Max Muncy was removed due to being hit by a pitch in his right wrist, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced he sustained a contusion.
Following their 6-4 win in extra innings, manager Dave Roberts issued cautious optimism over Muncy’s condition. The initial examination — a fluoroscopy at Petco Park — came back negative. “Which is a sigh of relief for all of us,” Roberts said.
“At this point he’s day-to-day. I know he’s very sore, so we’ll kind of keep an eye on him. Right now it’s more to tolerance. We’re heading to Arizona, so we’ll see how he feels in the morning.”
Muncy admitted to being in considerable pain while speaking with reporters in the clubhouse, but he was hopeful further testing would support the initial results. “Everything looks OK for now,” he said.
“Maybe it’s just the bone bruise; we’re going to double-check it [Thursday] and keep our fingers crossed. I mean, there’s going to be a timetable for return but we’re hoping it’s good news.”
With the Dodgers still awaiting an X-ray, Roberts indicated Muncy at minimum will likely miss the entirety of the four-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
Roberts said he expects Muncy will be out until at least early next week even if the news is good.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 30, 2019
Meanwhile, Muncy additionally will have his right hand examined by a specialist, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
In addition to having his wrist X-rayed tonight #Dodgers Max Muncy will be examined by hand specialist Dan Sheridan.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 30, 2019
The hit by pitch was a sixth for Muncy this season. Three have been by the Padres, with two coming during the just-completed series at Petco Park.
Although the Dodgers hopeful for a best-case scenario, the situation is trending similarly to that of Chris Taylor last month. He was hit by a pitch in his left forearm and removed from the series finale against the Boston Red Sox.
With the only means available being undergo a fluoroscopy at Fenway Park, Taylor also received positive news in the immediate aftermath. An X-ray the following day revealed a non-displaced left forearm fracture that sidelined him for five weeks.
A similar timetable would rule Muncy out through the remainder of the regular season and potentially jeopardize his availability for the National League Division Series, which begins Oct. 3.
A prolonged absence may additionally create an opportunity for Gavin Lux. The Dodgers’ top prospect is all but guaranteed to join the club in September, but it remains unclear if he will be added to the active roster or simply be present for an apprenticeship.
