Dodgers place major power bat on injured list

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a handful of moves before Friday night's series-opener against the San Francisco Giants. Right-hander Emmet Sheehan was selected to start the contest, as had been previously reported. Los Angles also recalled infield prospect Michael Busch from Triple-A Oklahoma City while placing Max Muncy on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 13) with a left hamstring. The team additionally optioned right-hander Michael Grove to Triple-A.

Muncy has been hobbled by the hamstring for the past few days. He had hoped to avoid the IL, but still isn’t at full strength. Skipper Dave Roberts downplayed any real concern, expressing confidence that the power-hitting infielder would be back once first eligible a week from now (relayed by Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic).

With Muncy at least temporarily out of action, Chris Taylor draws the start at third base Friday. Busch could also factor into that mix as part of his second MLB stint. The former first-round pick got into seven games earlier in the year, hitting .211/.348/.211 over 23 trips to the dish.

Sheehan, on the other hand, is making his big league debut. It’s more than just a spot start for the Boston College product, though. Roberts said the team is likely to give Sheehan a couple turns through the rotation with Grove heading to the minors (relayed by Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times). Grove has had a tough go this season, allowing an 8.10 ERA over 30 innings across seven appearances.