Los Angeles Dodgersthird baseman Max Muncy has once again been a dominant force in the lineup, now in his ninth season with the organization. The 35-year-old has become one of Los Angeles’ best success stories after arriving on a minor-league deal in 2017 following a failed stint with the Athletics.
Muncy has grown into one of the most feared left handed sluggers in the league. He has not slowed down this year. Across 56 games, Muncy has posted a .251 batting average, .346 on-base percentage, .859 OPS, 14 home runs and 22 RBIs.
Given Muncy's performance, he is well on his way toward earning what would be his third All-Star selection. He is performing as the best third baseman in the National League.
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Unfortunately, during Thursday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Muncy suffered an injury after a scary collision at first base. While legging out an infield single during his second at-bat of the night, he and Diamondbacks first baseman Ildemaro Vargas converged on the bag at the same moment.
Muncy won the race but collided with Vargas at full force. Both players remained on the ground for several minutes and were attended to by trainers and their managers.
Although both eventually got up under their own power, they each exited the game. Santiago Espinal replaced Muncy as the pinch-runner and later took over at third base in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Moments later, the Dodgers provided an update on Muncy’s condition. "Max Muncy left the game with shortness of breath and to rule out a concussion," the team wrote on X.
Muncy’s next chance to return to the lineup will come Friday for Los Angeles’ series opener against the Angels.
If he lands on the injured list, Espinal would likely take over as the primary third baseman, with Alex Freeland also being a potential option at the hot corner.
