2024 Spring Training for the Los Angeles Dodgers has been an exciting one with the debuts of multiple new superstars, but it’s also been a painful one for Max Muncy.
Last week, Muncy was hit in the left hand by a pitch and underwent X-rays the following day. The results came back negative, and he was able to get into the lineup two days later.
In his first game back on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs, Muncy was again hit by a pitch as he was drilled in his upper back near his shoulder. The veteran third baseman was back in the lineup on Tuesday, and he was once again hit by a pitch, this time on his right knee.
Muncy was immediately pulled from the game after being hit, however it was also likely his final plate appearance of the game anyway as it happened in the sixth inning.
There’s good news for the Dodgers and Muncy as he was able to avoid an injury and is expected to be back in the lineup on Wednesday, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
Max Muncy left the game after getting hit in the knee by a pitch in the sixth inning, but Roberts says he was OK and expected to play Wednesday.
For the Dodgers, they may need to consider wrapping Muncy in bubble wrap until their Season Opener in Seoul, South Korea against the San Diego Padres in two weeks.
Muncy has been hitting well in Cactus League play so far, batting .417 with two home runs, four RBI and a 1.417 on-base plus slugging. He has also seen improvements on his defense after losing around 15 pounds during the offseason.
Muncy should hit in the middle of the Dodgers lineup, providing them with 30 home run power and a disciplined hitter from the left side of the plate.
Since the start of the 2018 season, Muncy’s 175 home runs are tied for seventh-most in baseball, and his 93 homers over the past three seasons are third-most among all third basemen.
Dodgers third base options behind Max Muncy
Muncy was thankfully able to avoid injury, but should he end up missing time, the Dodgers have a few options on their roster who could fill in for him.
Chris Taylor projects to be the primary backup at the hot corner, while Kiké Hernández, Andre Lipcius, Miguel Rojas and Miguel Vargas can all play there as well.
Among their non-roster invitees in camp with experience at or the ability to play third base, the Dodgers have Kevin Padlo, Chris Owings, Austin Gauthier, Jonathan Araúz and Trey Sweeney.
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