Injuries to Logan Forsythe, Justin Turner, Yasiel Puig and Corey Seager have opened the door for additional playing time across the Los Angeles Dodgers infield. That especially holds true for Max Muncy, who was promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City in the middle of April.
Muncy has since received nine starts at third base, while also spending some time at first base and in left field. He hit his first Major League home run since the 2016 season in his first start with the team on April 18 against the San Diego Padres.
Rather for power, Muncy was called up for his excellent plate discipline at the Minor League level. He drew six walks in 32 plate appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma prior to his call-up, and looked to aid the Dodgers in that department.
Manager Dave Roberts cited the importance of being aggressive at the plate, but pointed out that he additionally values Muncy’s ability to draw a walk, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
“For our lineup, I think it’s important for us to be aggressive in the strike zone, not be passive,” Roberts said. “If you watch any video of Max Muncy, if the ball’s over the plate, he can do some damage. He still can differentiate between strike and ball and take a walk, which we value.”
Last season, the Dodgers were the most patient team in all of baseball. It certainly attributed to the club’s offensive success, as they led the league with a 10.5 walk percentage.
They have been better replicating that success as of late, with their 130 walks on the season ranking eighth.
Muncy has walked six times in his 44 plate appearances so far this season. He is batting .211/.318/.395 with two home runs and five RBI in 15 games.
