Aug 11, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dodgers’ Max Muncy Sent Home From Stadium for Unfortunate Reason

Originally posted on Los Angeles Dodgers on SI
By Valentina Martinez | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 7:34 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy was sent home ahead of the team's series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday night.

Muncy is reportedly dealing with head cold/sinus issues, but is still scheduled to face the velocity machine on Sunday and begin his rehab assignment next week.

Manager Dave Roberts said the plan for Muncy is to return from the injured list during next weekend's series against the Baltimore Orioles.

#Dodgers Max Muncy was sent home today due to illness. Head cold/sinus issues. Still scheduled to face velocity machine on Sunday and start rehab assignment next week. Dave Roberts said next weekend's series in Baltimore is still target for Muncy to return from IL
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 29, 2025

The Dodgers have been without one of their best hitters in the lineup as Muncy recovers from a Grade 1 oblique strain. The 34-year-old dealt with a similar injury last season and missed three months because of it.

However, Muncy appears to be nearing a return as he is expected to rejoin the Dodgers during their series against the Orioles, which begins Sept. 5.

Muncy sustained the injury while doing pregame cage work ahead of the Dodgers' series finale against the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 13. The third baseman's absence has certainly been felt as the Dodgers offense has been inconsistent when Muncy is sidelined.

When Muncy was out in July with a knee injury, the Dodgers were the lowest-scoring offense in the majors. Once Muncy returned to the lineup, the Dodgers received a much-needed offensive boost.

With Muncy making his second stint on the IL this season, the Dodgers claimed infielder Buddy Kennedy off waivers in order to provide more depth to a short-handed infield. Several position players have been sidelined by injuries this summer with Hyeseong Kim, Tommy Edman, and Kiké Hernández all on the IL.

However, Hernández made his return Monday after dealing with a left elbow sprain since early July.

The Dodgers are currently two games ahead of the San Diego Padres in the NL West, but LA lost what was once a nine-game lead in the division. Nevertheless, several reinforcements appear to be headed for the defending champions as Muncy, Kim and Edman are all expected to be with the Dodgers for the stretch run.

For now, the Dodgers will have to make do without the trio as they face the Snakes for a three-game series over the weekend at Chavez Ravine.