Two Big Pieces of the Dodgers Lineup Could Be Back for Postseason Play

Report: Max Muncy Available for Dodgers in Wild Card Series, Will Smith TBD

The X Factor

Max Muncy has struggled with multiple injuries this season. He has missed significant time with a bone bruise on his knee and a strained oblique, causing him to miss roughly two months. Since his return to the lineup, he has been hit with multiple pitches. The latest apparently caused a lower-body injury of some sort. As a result, Muncy missed the last five games of the regular season. However, it appears that he will be in the lineup tomorrow. If he is at full strength, it is good news for the Dodgers. They are 20 games over .500 when he plays, and treading water when he is not. He is hitting close to a .300 batting average since the beginning of July and lengthens the Dodgers’ already explosive lineup.

A Definite Maybe

All-Star catcher Will Smith has been out of the lineup since the Dodgers’ trip to the East Coast. He took a foul ball off his right while behind the plate in Pittsburgh. A CT scan and X-rays came back negative, but the swelling persisted. This led to more tests and a trip to the injured list. Although eligible to return, Smith hasn’t played in a few weeks. Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are “encouraged by his progress. Smith’s return is predicated on whether he can swing the bat effectively. If not, Smith will miss the first round and possibly the second round of the postseason.

Unsung Hero

If Smith is unable to play, Los Angeles will lean on Ben Rortvedt, who has been a revelation for the Dodgers since being acquired at the trade deadline. The starters have had the best ERA in baseball with him behind the plate. The rookie is also hitting near .300.

Healthy or not, the Dodgers begin their quest for another ring tomorrow.