The Los Angeles Dodgers are certain to play the Wild Card Game without Max Muncy, and are unlikely to have their slugging first baseman back even if advancing to the National League Division Series.
Muncy revealed he sustained a dislocated left elbow during the regular-season finale and is still awaiting word on the full extent of his injury. “We got the scans back, there’s some damage in there, but we’re holding out hope,” Muncy said during the Wild Card Game workout.
“Biggest thing is just trying to work as hard as I can to get back to help the team win. I’m here to support these guys. They’re an extremely good team, I’m going to be cheering as loud as anybody from the dugout and doing my best to help them out any way I can. Whether it’s pick something up to tell them what’s coming, really just doing anything I can to help the guys out.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was encouraged by a ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear being ruled out, which would have ended Muncy’s season. However, there still could be a rather lengthy recovery process ahead.
“I did dislocate my elbow on the play and it popped back in when I was rolling on the ground,” Muncy explained. “There was some other damage in there. We’re going to learn more in the next couple days about that. It was a very scary moment.
“I definitely felt like my arm wasn’t there, but thankfully things aren’t as bad as they could’ve been.”
With Muncy likely out for the NLDS as well, he effectively would not be potentially expected back in the Dodgers’ lineup unless the team reaches the NL Championship Series. However tough of a road lies ahead, the 31-year-old is attempting to remain optimistic.
“I have to be. If I’m not hopeful, it’s going to be a rough couple weeks for me,” Muncy said. I’ll just go in there and work as hard as I can and do whatever I can to get back healthy. … “Too many times I’ve replayed it in my head. The noise, I hear it too much of my elbow popping.
“Not a lot of good memories from what should’ve been a great day. Unfortunately for me it wasn’t.”
Roberts betting on Muncy’s history
With Muncy having overcome various ailments in the past, Roberts is hoping for a repeat occurrence with his left elbow.
“It’s not going to require surgery. As of right now, that’s our expectation. Still trying to hold out a glimmer of hope that he’ll be able to join us later on in the postseason,” Roberts said.
“So I don’t know what that really means, but I do know that he’s been known to heal quickly, and he’s determined to try to come help us in any way he can, so I don’t want to close the door completely on that.
“So I guess right now, looking at where we were on Sunday, it’s probably the best-case scenario than originally we saw.”
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