Although the Los Angeles Dodgers ended their homestand with a win that also amounted to avoiding a four-game series sweep by the Atlanta Braves, they finished Sunday’s game without Max Muncy playing the final four innings.
Muncy struck out swinging to end the fifth and spoke with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and a trainer upon arriving back at the dugout. Muncy’s left shoulder hung somewhat awkwardly after a swing and he rotated in a circular motion amid some signs of discomfort.
Kiké Hernández then took over at third base when the sixth inning began.
“He should be fine. It was something with his shoulder,” Roberts said after the Dodgers’ win. “We’ll see how he comes in on Tuesday, but I don’t think it’s an IL situation. He tweaked it on the last swing.”
Muncy went 1-for-3 prior to the early exit. He’s found a better rhythm at the plate after dealing with inconsistency throughout much of the season.
“It’s been good,” Muncy said of the recent stretch. “Just trying to keep working hard and keep going out there, doing anything I can to help the team win.
“The last week or two has been really good personally, but more importantly we’ve been winning a lot of games. To me, that’s ultimately what really matters.”
There was a point this season were Muncy had more home runs than singles, which left him frustrated despite the impressive display of power.
Muncy was not available for Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins.
Max Muncy among keys to Dodgers lineup
Although National League MVP candidates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman have largely led the Dodgers offense all season, Roberts regularly has mentioned Muncy as one of the biggest keys for the lineup.
He reiterated that stance Sunday, along with mentioning Will Smith and J.D. Martinez.
“I think getting Will untracked, which he hasn’t been since the break, is important. Getting J.D. in there consistently, adding length versus right and left, is crucial,” Roberts said.
“Max is back on track, which I think you’ve seen the last couple weeks our team offense has been better because of that. It just makes everyone better around them.”
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