The Dodgers’ deep lineup took a hit this week, with slugging second baseman Max Muncy set to miss at least a few games. A pitch hit Muncy in the wrist on Wednesday night, and though X-rays were negative, the Dodgers don’t expect him back until next week at the earliest.
Muncy has been a key part of the Los Angeles attack this season with 33 home runs, a .375 on-base percentage and a .524 slugging percentage.
The Max Muncy hit by pitch. Looks like it wasn’t as bad as Chris Taylor’s injury.
Let’s just hope x-rays come back negative. pic.twitter.com/l4ugXDehN6
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 29, 2019
Slow recovery
Muncy said he was still in pain Thursday, though a second set of tests still showed no fracture.
“If there’s a tiny crack or hairline fracture, the machine won’t show it. So we’re basically just double-checking it and hoping for the best,” Muncy said, according to ESPN.com. “With how it feels right now, I’m a little nervous. But I’m also just trying not to get my hope up that, ‘Oh, the pictures came out negative, it’s all good.’ … I’m trying to stay neutral with it right now.”
The Dodgers caught a break. Dave Roberts said X-rays on Max Muncy’s wrist were negative. No fracture.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 30, 2019
Replacement options
With Muncy sidelined, the Dodgers used Kiké Hernandez at second base in Thursday’s game. Hernandez is a utility man who can play in the outfield or infield and allows the Dodgers to use either Cody Bellinger or David Beaty at first base.
Another option is at Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Dodgers’ top prospect is shortstop Gavin Lux, who has been tearing apart minor-league pitching and could easily slide over to second when rosters expand Sunday.
“If we get different news than the initial diagnosis [on Muncy], then, yeah, we’ll probably be a little more aggressive with our September call-ups,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I don’t really know who, but obviously you’ve got to replace him.”
Of course, the Dodgers have a huge lead in the NL West, and the primary hope is to have Muncy ready for the playoffs. But they also trail the Yankees by a half-game (and have a half-game lead on the Astros) in the race for MLB’s best record and home-field advantage in any World Series matchup, so the regular season is still important.
Dave Roberts said the Dodgers “will be more aggressive” when it comes to September call-ups if Max Muncy’s wrist turns out to be broken. He wouldn’t go beyond that when asked if that means Gavin Lux would be one of them.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 30, 2019
