The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken the first two games of the National League Division Series despite Max Muncy having only four plate appearances thus far.
Muncy was one of the Dodgers’ most important offensive pieces, posting a 137 wRC+ this season, and his stretches missed due to injury coinciding with the team struggling. The Dodgers simply better when Muncy is in the game, as he deepens the lineup and makes it harder to navigate.
The Dodgers had a 60-40 record with Muncy and went 33-29 without him in 2025.
However, the Philadelphia Phillies present a difficult matchup due to boasting an impressive starting rotation that is led by left-handers.
Ahead of Game 1, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained the benefits of having the ability to utilize Muncy off the bench and starting one of the team’s right-handed options at third base.
“I can deploy him whenever I want in a leverage spot, which I think is a benefit. I’m not sure. I talked to Max before this series and said that we obviously knew what we were coming into, and he is adamant that whatever it takes to help this team win,” Roberts said.
“There could be a big spot at any point that could change the game. He’ll be ready when called upon. But I really can’t speak to when he’s going to start, if he’s going to start, because also Miggy Ro’s been great, too, against left-handed pitching.”
Starting Kiké Hernández at third base in Game 1 worked in the Dodgers’ favor, as he doubled home two runs and chased Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez in the sixth inning.
Muncy entered off the bench that night but again wasn’t in the lineup for Game 2. That prompted a question over whether Muncy was still dealing with some physical ailments that caused him to miss the final four games of the regular season.
When Muncy was not in the lineup for Game 2, Roberts said it had more to do with some physical issues. But the Dodgers’ skipper also mentioned he liked having the versatility to start with a right-hander at third base and bring in Muncy at critical moments.
“Physical things, he’s in a good spot now, which is great,” Roberts noted. “I think right now for these first two games, in particular, having guys that have a lot of success against left, I really like the silver bullet to deploy at any given point in the game, which we did in Game 1 versus Robertson.
“I also feel that Miggy Ro has been taken really good at-bats, has had a great season. I love him versus left. And Kiké is October Kiké. So I think right now just the net sum, it just gives us the best chance to win. I felt the same way in Game 1. I’ve had conversations with Max every day, and he’s completely on board.”
The strategy also paid off in Game 2, as Muncy was called upon to pinch-hit for Miguel Rojas in the seventh inning to face Phillies’ right-hander Orion Kerkering.
Muncy drew a walk and later came around to score during the Dodgers’ four-run rally.
Max Muncy in Dodgers lineup for Game 3
The Phillies announced their starter for Game 3 will be Aaron Nola, meaning that Muncy is getting the start at third base.
Muncy was 3-for-3 against Nola in 2025, including a double. The Phillies’ starter gave up three runs on seven hits across six innings in his lone start against the Dodgers this season.
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