The Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup took a hit when Max Muncy suffered an injury after a collision at third base with Michael A. Taylor. His injury leads to some questions about the Dodgers' trade deadline approach.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup took a hit when Max Muncy suffered an injury after a collision at third base with Michael A. Taylor. His injury leads to some questions about the Dodgers' trade deadline approach.
Muncy's injury could sideline him for around six weeks. He was slashing .287/.414/.575 since April 30, and losing him could have a drastic impact on the Dodgers' offense. However, Dave Roberts and Brandon Gomes do not foresee the injury impacting their trade deadline plans, so the Dodgers likely will not be acquiring a new third baseman.
"I don’t think that changes much, knowing the certainty of Max coming back at some point," Roberts said of replacing Muncy, per Dodgers Nation. "I feel with the options we have – yes, Max is a big loss – but I feel like on the defensive side, having Tommy over there matching up right versus left, as far as Hyeseong and the two right-handers I mentioned, I think we’ll be covered offensively. So I don’t think that will really impact our thinking going into the deadline."
"Even if (his recovery) is way slow," Gomes added, "you have a full month of baseball before we hit the playoffs. So we’re giving him that time to get back into a good place and try to set a good foundation, like we try to do with all of our guys, to be prepared for that stretch run."
Muncy has a club option for next season, and his recent play gives the Dodgers no reason to exercise it. However, this injury lets them get an even better look at Hyeseong Kim, who has played well in limited opportunities.
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With Muncy out, Edman figures to factor in at third base, meaning Kim will see extended time at second base. He was a Golden Glove Award-winning second baseman in the KBO and has shown he can play at the big league level. If the Dodgers like what they see with Edman in the hot corner and Kim at second base, it could impact their decision on Muncy's option.
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Category: Baseball
