The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Max Muncy off the 10-day injured list prior to Friday’s series opener against the New York Mets. He returns just over two weeks removed from suffering a right wrist fracture.
He was hit by a pitch and immediately removed from the series finale against the San Diego Padres. A fluoroscopy at Petco Park that night did not reveal the fracture, though Muncy was still experiencing limited range of movement and discomfort the following day.
That prompted an X-ray, which also came back negative, but an MRI revealed the small fracture. Although he was due to miss some time, Muncy considered the prognosis a bit of a best-case scenario.
Muncy forecasted he would only miss around 14 days and was confident he’d make a full recovery in time for the start of the postseason. Regardless of whether the Dodgers maintain the best record in the National League or are passed by the Atlanta Braves, they will play Game 1 of the NL Division Series on Thursday, Oct. 3.
After days of rest, Muncy resumed baseball activities and steadily built up to swinging a bat. He reported to Camelback Ranch prior to meeting the Dodgers in New York. He left the club’s Spring Training facility on a positive note, as manager Dave Roberts reported Muncy had a three-homer day.
Although Muncy is back in the fold, it’s reasonable to expect Gavin Lux will continue to receive his fair share of opportunities at second base. Muncy presumably will see time at first base, as the Dodgers have already been playing Cody Bellinger in center field with more regularity.
Muncy’s addition brings the Dodgers’ active roster to 35 players.
