The Los Angeles Dodgers are approaching the three-month mark of not having Max Muncy in their lineup, with just about two weeks to go until they hit that threshold.
Muncy has been on the injured list since May 17 with a right oblique strain, and not much progress has been made. The hope was Muncy would return after a minimum IL stint, but he has since been transferred to the 60-day IL with no return date in sight.
The veteran third baseman was shut down from swinging multiple times, but did advance to reaching the point of light soft toss.
Muncy previously said his body has not cooperated as he tries to ramp things up, and he is unable to bounce back after any treatment or work.
In addition, he is dealing with discomfort and he has not made much progress over the past few weeks, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
About the only player whose long-term status is a major question is Muncy, whose recovery from an oblique strain has remained “pretty stagnant over the last few weeks,” Roberts said.
While tests haven’t revealed any further issue for Muncy, who has sat out more than two months with what was initially considered to be a minor injury, Roberts said the slugger was still dealing with some “uncomfort” that has prevented him from swinging.
Oblique injuries historically have been more of a long-term issue, but Muncy did miss just the minimum 10 days with a strain during the 2021 season.
Upon his return, Muncy limited the number of swings he would take during batting practice in effort to avoid aggravating the oblique.
If Muncy does make some strides soon, he would still need a signficant amount of time to prepare for his return, which would include live at-bats, simulated games and a rehab assignment,
Because of that, it would be surprising if he’s able to return before September, and it would not be totally shocking if he misses the rest of the season.
Muncy has had multiple scans on the oblique, but nothing new has come up in any of the testing.
Dodgers remain hopeful for Max Muncy’s return
With the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching on July 30, the Dodgers may find themselves with a third baseman at the top of their wishlist due to Muncy’s injury.
While general manager Brandon Gomes suggested the Dodgers would be open to adding at the hot corner, he also reiterated they expect Muncy to return this season.
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