The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Max Muncy off of the 10-day injured list and optioned Zach McKinstry to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Thursday’s series finale against the Chicago White Sox.
Muncy was placed on the IL on May 28 after a disappointing stretch and some questions regarding the health of his left elbow. The dislocation and torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) suffered on the final day of the regular season last year still appeared to be bothering him in some regard.
Muncy then aggravated the elbow during a road game against the Washington Nationals, which prompted the IL stint and eventual rehab assignment.
Over three games with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, Muncy went 2-for-10 with a home run, two RBI and three walks. On Saturday, manager Dave Roberts said the focus was on Muncy’s process and health.
“It’s certainly not going to be results. I think how he feels in the batter’s box, how he swings, how he’s seeing the baseball, how he feels are the most important things,” Roberts said. “The challenge for Max is just to be honest with how he feels.”
Muncy struggled prior to the IL stint, and in 41 games hit just .150/.327/.263 with three home runs and 14 RBI. Muncy admitted he was hoping time spent on the IL would help the elbow quiet down and also provide him with a mental reset.
McKinstry option tracker
Mckinstry was optioned after appearing in just two games for the Dodgers. His one start on June 3 against the New York Mets was highlighted by a two-run home run off of Chris Bassitt in the fourth inning.
McKinstry joined the team as the corresponding move to Kevin Pillar going on the 10-day IL after suffering a fracture in his left shoulder that required surgery. McKinstry being optioned leaves Eddy Alvarez up with the Dodgers.
Although MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) agreed to limit the number of times a player can be optioned to five times, McKinstry’s official total is still only at one because the count was delayed during the first month of the season due to expanded rosters.
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