The Los Angeles Dodgers have lowered their magic number for the National League West title to one entering the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, setting the stage for a potential celebration at Chase Field.
However, they are doing so without Max Muncy and Tommy Edman in the lineup. Manager Dave Roberts said it was merely an off day for Muncy, though did pause while answering, suggesting a possible health issue.
Muncy has played through a bone bruise in his left knee and a mild right oblique strain this year.
The season has also been problematic on the health front for Edman, who has battled right ankle trouble throughout. The Dodgers put Edman on the injured list on Aug. 4 due to a right ankle sprain, and he missed five and a half weeks.
There was a deliberate approach taken so that Edman could make a full recovery in effort to get healthy for the playoffs. Some of that also related to the Dodgers’ need for improved production in their outfield as Edman being able to play center field provides flexibility with moving Andy Pages to left field.
Including Thursday, Edman has been in the Dodgers lineup for 10 of their 14 games since coming off the injured list. He’s started nine of his games, playing six of them in center field and the other three at second base.
Tommy Edman aggravates right ankle
Edman’s most recent start came in center field, where he made a diving catch on the run to end a perfect ninth inning for Clayton Kershaw in his relief appearance.
Edman had a slight limp as he jogged off the field but remained in the game and later hit the decisive RBI single with two outs in the 10th inning. However, Alex Call replaced Edman as a pinch-runner at that point.
“It’s a little sore,” Roberts said of Edman’s ankle. “I think from being on the turf, so we’re keeping an eye on him.”
Roberts noticed Edman not appearing to be 100% after his impressive catch and briefly spoke with him during a Diamondbacks pitching change following his go-ahead hit.
“Just kind of wanted to see where he was at. It wasn’t too convincing, so that’s when I decided to make the decision to have Alex Call run for him. It obviously bled into giving him a day off today,” Roberts explained.
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