Los Dodgers de Los Angeles sufrieron una baja inesperada antes del juego del miercoles ante los Angels, cuando el tercera base Max Muncy fue retirado de la alineacion debido a molestias en el costado derecho. El manager, Dave Roberts, informo que Muncy sintio un tiron durante su rutina de bateo, lo que encendio alarmas de inmediato.
Although it is not the same oblique injury that sidelined him for three months in 2024, the team prefers to err on the side of caution. “Max feels that it’s not muscular, but I think with the tests we’ll know more,” Roberts explained. For now, Muncy is considered “day-to-day,” but his availability for the series against the San Diego Padres is in doubt.
Max Muncy’s impact on the offense and the pressure of the schedule
Muncy’s recent return from a knee injury had revitalized the Angels’ offense. In his short stint since returning, he was hitting .348/.531/.870 with four home runs and a staggering 1.401 OPS, figures that made him the offensive engine of the team. Without him, the Dodgers average just 3.42 runs per game, compared to 5.79 when he is in the lineup.
The concern about his absence is multiplied given the current context, the Padres come in strong after sweeping San Francisco and have half a game lead over the Dodgers. This weekend’s series could define the leadership of the National League West Division and losing Muncy at that critical moment puts Roberts in a difficult situation.
Dodgers bullpen also in trouble: Stewart and other arms out
As if Muncy’s absence wasn’t enough, the Dodgers’ bullpen is also suffering as reliever Brock Stewart was placed on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. Although no structural damage was detected, the coaching staff estimates he will be out for several weeks.
The bullpen was already weakened by the absence of Kirby Yates, Michael Kopech, Tanner Scott and Brusdar Graterol. Roberts tried to give some hope: “It’s the best possible scenario,” he said of Stewart. Fortunately, some key arms such as Yates and Scott are close to returning, but the wear and tear on the pitching staff is mounting at the worst possible time.
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