Max Muncy was not in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Wednesday for the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, with Kiké Hernández instead making the start third base.
It was the second game in a row that Muncy did not start for the Dodgers, although he did make an appearance as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the ninth inning on Tuesday.
The decision to sit Muncy again on Wednesday was made by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who clarified it was not due to the Phillies sending another left-handed starter to the mound.
“It was more of the ball to the head in San Francisco,” Roberts said. “Used him [Tuesday] to try to just get on base, but he was still a little fuzzy. But fine, and today he feels better.
“I just wanted to give him an extra day. Definitely not a platoon.”
As a precaution, Muncy exited Saturday’s game soon after being hit by the pitch in his head. Muncy did not play the following day, but that was not due to injury. He returned to the lineup on Monday, with Muncy saying that he felt no ill effects from the hit by pitch. The 35-year-old completed the game without incident, hitting one home run in five at-bats.
With Muncy not feeling 100% and a left-hander on the mound, the Dodgers took the opportunity to give Muncy another day off. They do not believe this will remain a problem going forward.
“He made a joke about it, but he just wasn’t as with it as he normally is,” Roberts said. “But he was fine enough to play [Tuesday], take an at-bat, and today he feels better.
“For me, there’s a lefty today, why not get Kiké an opportunity to get untracked, why not keep Miggy Ro going. That was kind of my math too.”
Max Muncy avoids third IL stint
Despite feeling “fuzzy,” there is no indication that Muncy will need to enter concussion protocol. The seven-day injured list is specifically for players with concussion symptoms.
It has been a rough couple of months for Muncy, who dealt with a left knee injury in July and a right oblique strain in mid-August.
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