Max Muncy Scratched From Dodgers Lineup Due To Side Soreness

The initial Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for the finale of the Freeway Series did not include Mookie Betts, which manager Dave Roberts later revealed was due to a scheduled off day.

An updated lineup had Betts starting at shortstop as the Dodgers looked to snap a three-game losing streak and avoid being swept by the Los Angeles Angels in the season series. But that came at the expense of Max Muncy getting scratched and Alex Freeland starting at third base instead.

“Max went into the cage today to start his routine and felt a little soreness in his right side,” Roberts explained. “So talking to the training staff, we felt to err on the side of caution, kind of have him down. It’s day-to-day. He’ll get some testing.

“Mookie will obviously be in there tonight and we’ll see how Max responds to a couple days off.”

Muncy has played in eight games since returning from a bone bruise in his left knee that required spending just under five weeks on the injured list. He’s impressed during that time, going 8-for-23 with four home runs and nine RBI.

Max Muncy side injuries

Muncy missed an extended period last season because of a right oblique strain that proved difficult to overcome. It wasn’t until visiting a chiropractor several weeks into a stalled rehab process that Muncy began to experience relief that proved vital to his return.

“It’s not the same as last year,” Roberts said of Muncy’s latest issue on his right side. “Max feels that it’s not muscular, but I think once we get some testing we’ll know more.”

If an MRI determines Muncy needs to go back on the injured list, Freeland presumably will once again receive the bulk of the starts at third base.