The Dodgers have consistently relied on Max Muncy during critical points in past seasons. However, during this pivotal stretch as they try to maintain their lead atop the NL West standings, Muncy has been sidelined with an injury. He has been out since mid-August due to an oblique strain.
“Less than two weeks after returning, Muncy is headed back to the 10-day IL, this time with a Grade 1 oblique strain on his right side. The Dodgers expect him to return this season, but his absence will be longer than the minimum 10 days,” MLB.com’s Sonja Chen wrote.
Muncy is now nearing a return, which could be a major boost for the Dodgers as they attempt to hold off the Padres. Encouragingly, Muncy himself feels that he's getting close.
“Yeah, we're getting there,” Muncy said. “We're just trying to be cautious and be careful with everything that we're doing. At this point in the season, we can't really afford to have anything set me back. So we're just being real slow and real cautious and making sure that everything feels completely normal before we progress to the next steps. We'll see what that timeline looks like, but we're getting close.”
A return timeline is finally taking shape, and it appears that Muncy could be back in a Dodgers uniform by next weekend.
“Dodgers Max Muncy was sent home today due to illness. Head cold/sinus issues. Still scheduled to face velocity machine on Sunday and start rehab assignment next week. Dave Roberts said next weekend's series in Baltimore is still target for Muncy to return from IL,” Dodgers writer Bill Plunkett wrote.
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This is a crucial development for the Dodgers, who currently hold a two-game lead over the Padres with just a month remaining in the regular season. There’s no room for error, and getting Muncy back in the lineup could make a significant difference. If the Dodgers hope to repeat as World Series champions, Muncy will be a vital piece of the puzzle.