The Los Angeles Dodgers value depth and positional flexibility like no other organization, and routinely field a roster with players who are comfortable of shifting around the diamond.
One player in particular that fits the mold is Max Muncy, who has benefited from the multitude of injuries to hamper the club in the early going. Muncy has appeared at three different positions for the Dodgers this season.
With Justin Turner on the disabled list, he most prominently saw his opportunities at third bases, as part of a timeshare with Logan Forsythe and Kiké Hernandez. But with Turner now back in the fold, Muncy has begun seeing more time at first base.
The 27-year-old acknowledged that he feels more comfortable at that position than the hot corner, via SportsNet LA:
“It’s a little bit more comfortable. That’s where I came up in the Minor Leagues. I played a lot of years at first base, so it’s a little more comfortable for me.”
As Muncy points out, he has an extensive track record at first base. With the Oakland Athletics, he appeared at the position in 24 games from 2015-16.
Since joining the Dodgers on a Minor League contract in 2017, Muncy has primarily seen the brunt of his playing time at first base with Triple-A Oklahoma City as well.
As a domino effect of Muncy receiving more reps at first base, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has deployed Cody Bellinger in center field on several occasions.
Bellinger has Major League experience at all three outfield positions and first saw time in center field during his rookie campaign, where he appeared at the position in four games.
