The Los Angeles Dodgers received home runs from Max Muncy, Justin Turner and Gavin Lux to storm out to a 6-0 lead against Mike Foltynewicz and the Texas Rangers in the first inning of Friday’s series opener at Dodger Stadium.
Muncy’s spot in the order nearly came up a second time, though the at-bat would have been taken by Albert Pujols. When the Dodgers took the field in the second inning, it was with Pujols taking over for Muncy at first base.
It prompted some thought that Muncy perhaps aggravated his right ankle injury or perhaps the team looked to take advantage of a big lead and get him some rest. However, the Dodgers went on to announce Muncy was removed due to right side tightness.
No other details were provided, but such an issue is often related to oblique or back trouble. If Muncy is to miss any significant stretch, it will further test the Dodgers’ depth that has already needed to absorb a rash of injuries this season.
After experiencing right ankle pain last Friday, Muncy was limited to a pinch-hit appearance for the remainder of the series against the Atlanta Braves. He started this past Tuesday, then was out of the lineup — though appeared off the bench — on Wednesday.
Muncy, Dodgers confused by ankle injury
After initially deeming Muncy’s ankle trouble as pain, manager Dave Roberts said he would diagnose it as a mild right sprain. However, Muncy then conveyed even that designation was not accurate.
“It’s one of those things where I was running off the field in Atlanta and my foot kind of just gave out, went dead and started swelling up,” he explained. “It’s one of those things that we’re not really sure exactly what it is. It’s not quite an ankle sprain. We got X-rays done, doctors looked at it and we’re just not entirely sure.
“Thankfully, it doesn’t seem like it’s anything too serious. We’re keeping an eye on it, obviously, but [Tuesday] was good. It felt good being out there, didn’t feel like it was too bad. There’s going to be a little bit of a limp for a day or two, but I felt good.”
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