Max Muncy endured one of his most inconsistent seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year and has seen those struggles carry over into the 2023 campaign.
The two-time All-Star entered play Wednesday hitting just .187/.322/.444 with six doubles, 21 home runs and 54 RBI in 323 plate appearances across 77 games. Muncy hit a two-run homer in the series finale against the Baltimore Orioles, but went 1-for-4 in the Dodgers’ loss.
“For me, it’s been pretty poor,” Muncy recently said of his performance this season.
“I’ve hit a lot of home runs but I haven’t been anywhere close to the hitter that I know I can be and should be. I know I’m still a very good hitter, so just trying to make some adjustments to get back to doing that.”
Muncy revealed he has been working with Dodgers hitting coaches to revamp his swing in hopes of returning to form. “There’s been quite a few mechanical things we’ve been keeping our eye on and trying to stay ahead of,” Muncy began.
“This last week, the results haven’t necessarily been there in a game, but my work’s been really good, and that’s what we’re focused on. It’s all about the process.”
Muncy previously made adjustments to his swing during the 2022 season, which saw him stand further back in the batter’s box and take a small step backward as a pitch is being thrown. He began to incorporate that step-back once again before eliminating its use.
In addition to his inconsistencies this year, Muncy missed 11 games last month because of a left hamstring strain. Since being activated off the 10-day injured list on June 27, the 32-year-old has gone 11-for-63 with one double, four home runs and 11 RBI in 18 games.
Max Muncy benefitted from Brett Baty getting hit in face
In the ninth inning of the Dodgers’ 5-1 win over the New York Mets on Saturday, Muncy hit a pop-up with runners at the corners that was inexplicably dropped by Brett Baty. The ball bounced to Baty’s left and hit him in the face, allowing Mookie Betts to scamper home from third base.
J.D. Martinez and David Peralta each added an RBI single to create more separation for the Dodgers in their victory.
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