The Los Angeles Dodgers received a setback recently when All-Star third baseman Max Muncy was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain—the same injury that sidelined him for over three months last season. While the timing is frustrating for a team competing tightly with the San Diego Padres for the NL West, there are encouraging signs for his return.
Manager Dave Roberts provided an update, noting that Muncy is progressing well and could begin a rehab assignment soon. “He hit off a tee [Wednesday], so he is in a good spot. Trending in the right direction. I don’t know time of return, but all things that I hear, it’s been really promising. … No discomfort,” Roberts said. Dodgers beat writer Max Plunkett added that Muncy is scheduled to face live pitching during the current homestand, an important step before rejoining the active roster.
Dodgers Max Muncy Set to Begin Rehab Assignment After Right Oblique Strain
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Muncy’s absence has been felt in the lineup. Before the injury, Los Angeles averaged 5.79 runs per game with him in the lineup; without him, that number drops to 3.42. Despite a rough start to the season—batting just .180 in his first 28 games—Muncy saw a significant boost after wearing newly prescribed glasses to correct astigmatism. Since then, he has slashed .295 with a 1.040 OPS, hitting 17 home runs and driving in 60 RBIs across 61 games.
Following a brief return from a knee injury in early July, Muncy continued his strong production, batting .348/.531/.870 with a 1.401 OPS over eight games before the oblique strain resurfaced. In his absence, Buddy Kennedy and Alex Freeland have filled in at third base, but the Dodgers’ offense is eager for Muncy’s return.
If all goes according to plan, the rehab assignment will be the first step in getting Muncy back on the field, giving Los Angeles a key weapon as they push toward the postseason.