Dodgers Announce Reason for Max Muncy's Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 2:47 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering Thursday with a chance to clinch their 12th division title in 13 seasons with a victory. The Dodgers’ prolonged dominance over the past decade has been built through an organization that has brought the best out of its players.

A prime example is third baseman Max Muncy, who has spent the past eight seasons with the Dodgers after failing to establish himself with the Oakland Athletics in the early stages of his career. Since then, the 35-year-old veteran has solidified himself as one of the game’s best left-handed sluggers. Over 100 games in 2025, Muncy has posted a .243 batting average, .376 on-base percentage, .846 OPS, 19 home runs and 67 RBIs.

Max Muncy Update Emerges Before Diamondbacks Game

Muncy has missed plenty of time this season due to injury, spending two lengthy stints on the injured list dealing with a left knee bone bruise in July and an oblique strain in August. As Muncy’s momentum has continued to be halted this year, his production has dropped off in the month of September.

Ahead of Thursday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Muncy was noticeably absent from the lineup, prompting concern over his status. However, the Dodgers announced via manager Dave Roberts that the reasoning behind his removal was to give the slumping All-Star a day off.

Over his past 11 games, Muncy is batting just .118 with a .562 OPS and 10 strikeouts — a significant decrease in offensive output — which may have contributed to Roberts placing him on the bench. The Diamondbacks are also sending out a left-handed starter, Jalen Beeks, to the mound, and Muncy has struggled against southpaws.

Dave Roberts said it’s just a day off for Max Muncy but that Tommy Edman’s ankle is a little sore from playing on the turf at Chase Field.

You may recall Edman limping a bit after his diving catch last night and being replaced by a pinch-runner.
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) September 25, 2025

Regardless, Muncy is expected to carry a significant load in the postseason as he has throughout his tenure in Los Angeles. He has played a crucial role in delivering championships to Los Angeles in 2020 and 2024. He has continued to be successful at the plate even as he approaches his late 30s due to his raw power and ability to read the strike zone.

With the Dodgers attempting to be the first team to repeat as back-to-back World Series champions since the New York Yankees from 1998–2000, Muncy will use the day off to return to his first-half form.

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

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