The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Max Muncy since May 17, when he was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right oblique strain. The two-time All-Star has since been transferred to the 60-day IL, and he remains out of action.
Muncy was in the midst of another solid season prior to going on the IL as he had batted .223/.323/.475 with eight doubles, nine home runs and 28 RBI over 40 games.
The Dodgers have attempted to replace Muncy’s production at third base with a combination of Kiké Hernández, Cavan Biggio, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor, but injuries have further thinned that group, and they have all together lacked any prodcution.
Manager Dave Roberts discussed Muncy’s importance to the Dodgers lineup and the need to get him back, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“It lacks potential slug,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, starting the list. “It lacks a guy who’s going to get on base 38% of the time. It lacks just the consistency of the left-right to kind of vary it whether it’s (versus) the starter or the bullpen. Just that continuity, one through six.”
Roberts believes opposing pitchers are forced to change their approach when Muncy is in the Dodgers lineup:
“It just adds a little bit more length,” Roberts said. “Instead, we’ve been piecemealing the five, six (spot in the lineup) and trying to beat the starter. Where you just know that having a guy like Max in there, versus left, versus right, when he’s in there they have to approach our lineup differently.”
Thankfully for the Dodgers, it seems Muncy has made a breakthrough and could be on the path to returning sooner rather than later. There is reason for cautious optimism as he continues to ramp up, and if all goes well, a September return seems likely.
If Muncy is able to return, along with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers would once again have a formidable lineup.
Max Muncy: Oblique strain ‘possibly the worst injury’ for a position player
Muncy called an oblique strain the worst injury a position player can have because of how much it limits their ability to work out.
Obliques are known for their tricky nature, and these type of injuries typically keep hitters out for an extended amount of time.
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