After Max Muncy had his 2021 season end with a brutal left elbow injury because of a collision at first base, the Los Angeles Dodgers found themselves without one of their most consistent players for the postseason.
There was initial optimism that Muncy only suffered a dislocated elbow, but the full extent of the injury was later revealed to involve a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) as well. The MLB lockout made it difficult for Muncy and the Dodgers to collaborate on a rehab plan during the offseason.
Though, Muncy acknowledged the extra downtime was extremely beneficial to his recovery, but difficult because he was unable to meet with team trainers.
He also recently admitted that it could be another year before the damaged right elbow is fully recovered.
“We knew the day it happened that it was torn, so we had to keep it immobilized for several weeks with a brace on it. After that it was breaking up the scar tissue that was in there and going from there. It took a while,” Muncy said.
“I didn’t start swinging until mid-January, and even then it was still really stiff. I don’t know if painful is the word, but it didn’t feel right. We’re still there right now but we’re able to get through some swings and get closer to normal. We’re definitely not there, but it’s one of those injuries that I may not be back to normal until next year. Who knows?”
Muncy hit .249/.368/.527 with 26 doubles, 36 home runs and 94 RBI over 592 plate appearances en route to a 10th-place finish in National League MVP voting last season.
He was among those who arrived early at Camelback Ranch for Spring Training and was included on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. However, Muncy endured struggles through the better part of two months and recently was placed on the 10-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation.
Max Muncy rehab assignment
After going multiple days without swinging a bat upon being put on the IL, Muncy resumed full baseball actives and last weekend joined Triple-A Oklahoma City for the start of a rehab assignment.
He’s 1-for-6 with two walks and one strikeout over two games thus far. Muncy has started at third base and second base.
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