Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Reveals Extent of Max Muncy’s Oblique Injury
On Friday, the Dodgers announced that third baseman Max Muncy would head to the 10-day IL after suffering an oblique injury. During the pregame media scrum, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts elaborated on the severity of the injury.
Roberts told reporters, including Doug McKain of DodgersNation, that Muncy sustained the injury on Thursday while taking batting practice. An MRI revealed a grade one strain of his right oblique.
Roberts said that the plan is for Muncy to take a few days off from swinging a bat, and they will re-evaluate him from there. The Dodgers manager expressed hope that this is just a minimum stint on the injured list for the veteran.
The Dodgers will miss Muncy both offensively and defensively. Admittedly, after his hot start, Muncy has cooled off as of late recording just three hits in his last 37 plate appearances. However, he still has the third most home runs on the team with nine.
Defensively, Muncy has turned himself into one of the game’s better third basemen. After a less-than-stellar debut at the hot corner in 2023, he ranks among the best by both Fangraphs and Statcast in 2024.
The southpaw went into the offseason intending to improve his defense. He trimmed down a little to overall help his positioning and getting behind balls hit at him. He also used a smaller glove in the offseason to improve his glove placement. This has resulted in him looking much more comfortable moving to his glove side and back-picking balls.
Oblique injuries can be finicky. There’s not much rehab that can be done, so it just becomes a waiting game. The Dodgers will turn to Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas to fill in at third base during Muncy’s absence.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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The term “southpaw” applies to players who are left-handed, particularly pitchers.
Max Muncy bats left and throws right.
It’s been years since a lefty saw action at 3B.
Corey was the best Snyder.
I’m assuming Max is having a rest, while getting Kike some reps? We’re gonna need Kike come playoffs, and we need him in going. There is no scenario where we dont win the division; maybe if our team plane crashes – even then we’ve got a deep farm of mediocrity, so we could still hang on I think. Anywho, We need load manage our guys from here on our. Sho n Betts r the exception cuz of MVP and records. We will see these ” oblique injuries” quite often I think now?? Lol
Max Muncy most likely would not have made a play in yesterday’s game vs Cincinnati that was made by Kike Hernandez. A chopper was hit up the 3rd base line that Hernandez grabbed just in front of the bag, and in one swift motion threw a strike to Freddie Freeman for the out. A great athletic play in a tight ballgame. That play made it clear to us that Muncy is not the answer, at third base nor in the 5th position in the batting order. We also have noticed that he and Dave Roberts (when he’s not eating pumpkin seeds) are always in conversation with each other. Is he Roberts’ ‘pet’ player? WE believe Fat Max must go in a trade, and Gavin Lux can be included. We’ve also said Nolan Arenado would be a great addition, since the Cardinals are going nowhere. As for Shortstop, we appreciate Mookie Betts trying his best to succeed, but that position ia the hardest (as he’s said) position to play besides catcher. Keeping it real, take the pressure off Mookie. He’s an ideal second baseman, and LA MUST get a REAL shortstop!
How, How, How, How…. Does a player get on the injured list for taking batting practice??? I used to say that athletes are in the Best of shape…… But I Do Believe that I am going to have to Retract That Statement ?????
You do realize one wrong turn or mis step can happen at anytime, batting practice, in a game, stepping off a bus. Anyone can get injured anytime anywhere.
Straining an oblique while taking full swings with a baseball bat can happen to anybody regardless of what kind of “shape” they’re in.
I am very unhappy with the Pitching “expertise” OR LACK THEREOF ,— of Micharl Grove. On May 10th, he was very INSTRUMENTAL in the Dodger Loss to Sab Diego. His lack of effectiveness in the 10th Inning, caused the Dodgers to LOSE THAT Game. In fact, he WAS THE LOSING Pitcher. And, last nite, he SOLIDIFIED the Dodgers’ Loss to Arizona,— by giving up a three Run Home Run to Joc Peterson. That Home Run took ” the heart out of the Dodgers”– because it stopped their MOMENTUM in coming back from their DEFICIT. I think he is a Sub-Par Pitcher,— who belongs back in TRIPLE A. At the very least,—– why is Dave Roberts going to Grove,— in salvageable situations, when he has an E.R.A. of over 5.0 Sorry Dave, BUT—, this is NO WAY to MANAGE the TEAM.