Dodgers News: Max Muncy Praises Dave Roberts for Sticking with Him Through Struggles
The Dodgers organization have claimed many success stories in veterans cast away from their previous teams. One of those is All-Star Max Muncy.
Thought he’s struggled through much of the past two seasons, especially in the batting average department, the third baseman thanked his manager Dave Roberts for his continued trust in him for 2023.
“I think Doc has done an unbelievable job this year. I’ve gone through stretches where plenty of other managers would have sat me, but he doesn’t because he played this game a long time. He understands that you can’t sit your way out of a slump,” Muncy says. “With the talent we have in this clubhouse, you have to trust that guys are going to break out of whatever they’re going through. But the only way to do that is to play them. You can’t break out when you’re just hitting in the cage. You have to face live pitching and game situations. I know that he’s done that with me this year, last year, even in the past. It’s something that I feel pays off a lot of times.”
via Cary Osborne, Dodger Insider
A possible MVP candidate in 2021, Muncy’s year ended before the Dodgers’ playoff run due to a collision at first base on the final day of that year’s regular season.
Unfortunately the elbow injury that ended his campaign two years prior clearly translated negatively towards the past two seasons of his career.
Muncy batted under .200 last season and this year hasn’t fared much better in that category after he’s hit just .213 through 133 games this year.
One significant difference despite his Mendoza line level mark is a return to form in the power department.
The former Athletic has clubbed 36 home runs for a joint career high in 2023, tying his mark for 2021 there while also setting a new best in RBI with 105 on the campaign.
Now 32 years old, the slugger first came to the Dodgers in the 2018 season and has contributed plenty as one of the best power hitters in franchise history.
The 2023 season signaled the fourth 30-homer season of Muncy’s career as he joined some exclusive company thanks to his terrific power numbers.
One of four LA batsman to reach 100 RBI this year, Roberts’ faith in his infielder became more than justified after a resurgence in multiple categories.
Set for another important postseason, Muncy hopes he can contribute to another ring like he did with the 2020 Dodgers.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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