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Dodgers Announce Max Muncy News Before Pirates Game
© William Liang-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering Tuesday with a 2.5-game lead in the NL West over the second-place San Diego Padres, as the team looks to get fully healthy for another postseason run.

Notably, veteran third baseman Max Muncy has been on the injured list with a right oblique strain since mid-August—his second IL stint of the year after previously dealing with a left knee bone bruise in July.

The 35-year-old left-handed slugger has delivered elite offensive production when healthy this season, posting a .258 batting average, .389 on-base percentage, .880 OPS, 17 home runs and 64 RBIs across 89 games.

Muncy provided the Dodgers with stability while superstars like Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez and Freddie Freeman battled prolonged slumps.

Max Muncy Injury Update

The Dodgers were initially expecting Muncy to return during the team’s road trip, with hopes he’d be back this weekend. However, Muncy suffered a setback due to illness, delaying his return as he recovered.

Ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, manager Dave Roberts announced that Muncy would begin his rehab assignment next week, with a possible return during the team’s upcoming homestand.

"Max Muncy is also going to begin a rehab stint with OKC this week, Dave Roberts said. Both he and Edman could be options to return for next week’s homestand," wrote Jack Harris of the L.A. Times.

This is encouraging news for Los Angeles, as Muncy appears to have moved past the sickness and looks ready to make an impact again.

He’s spent the last eight seasons with the Dodgers, serving as the franchise’s primary third baseman for most of that stretch. Muncy’s ability to read pitches and control the strike zone has allowed him to remain a dangerous hitter as his career progresses.

His experience through many postseason runs has also made him a clubhouse leader for younger players—a role that will be vital as the Dodgers gear up for October.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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