While Max Muncy was trying to emerge from what had been a down 2022 season, work with Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coaches eventually resulted in introducing an unorthodox change.
Muncy began taking a small step backward with his left foot as a pitch was being delivered, which allowed for better timing and movement with his swing. The change paid immediate dividends and Muncy stuck with it through the postseason.
But with an offseason to continue getting healthy after a significant left elbow injury, Muncy abandoned the step back. However, after some struggles in Spring Training and amidst another slow start to the year, the change was brought back.
Muncy proceeded to go 3-for-3 with two home runs, including a grand slam, and a career-high seven RBI. According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, Muncy said reverting to that strategy was a matter of finding an immediate fix:
“It was one of those things where, it was like, ‘All right, let’s take a step back, identify the problem, and what’s the easiest solution for it right now?’” Muncy said.
Muncy added taking the step back alleviates what he has to think about while in the batter’s box:
“The only thing I have to worry about is just getting my foot down on time instead of thinking about so many other things. It was just simplifying it, really, even though it’s more movement.”
Before last year’s adjustment, Muncy was slashing a meager .168/.313/.319 with 11 doubles, 10 home runs and 34 RBI across 347 plate appearances.
He benefitted from the step-back technique, but fell back into another slump during September. Muncy closed the season batting .196/.329/.384.
Now Muncy is looking to save his season at a much earlier date and become a middle-of-the-lineup bat the Dodgers can count on.
Max Muncy not a fan of Oracle Park
Muncy’s first home run on Monday night extended his streak of reaching base safely at Oracle Park to 27 consecutive games, which is the third-longest by a visiting player in the stadium’s history. It’s bested by Freddie Freeman, who has reached safely in 31 consecutive games at Oracle Park, and Wil Myers (28 games).
Muncy’s grand slam marked his 23rd home run against the Giants — the most he’s hit against any club.
Despite his long history of success against the Giants and at Oracle Park, Muncy revealed he is not fond of the stadium.
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