Max Muncy ‘Trending In Right Direction’ After Beginning Swings

Shortly after Max Muncy returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup, he landed back on the 10-day injured list because of a right oblique strain.

Muncy’s IL stint is retroactive to Aug. 13 and while the Dodgers anticipate a return at some point this season, they don’t yet have a timeline.

It is similar to the injury that kept Muncy out for three months last season, but the Grade 1 is less severe comparatively.

While a potential return date remains unclear, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Muncy took some swings on Wednesday without issue, as seen on SportsNet LA:

“He hit off a tee [Wednesday], so he is in a good spot. Trending in the right direction. I don’t know time of return, but all things that I hear, it’s been really promising. … No discomfort.”

In Muncy’s absence, the Dodgers have used Buddy Kennedy and prospect Alex Freeland to fill the void at third base.

Kennedy has played in five games and made four starts at third base for the Dodgers since being claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 15. He has one hit and one RBI in 13 at-bats so far.

Freeland has made the other three starts at third base since Muncy landed on the injured list.

The Dodgers have a 4-4 record in their eight games since Muncy was scratched from the lineup on Aug. 13 due to right side soreness.

Max Muncy’s injuries in 2025

Muncy previously missed just under five weeks with a bone bruise in his left knee that was sustained during a game against the Chicago White Sox on July 2. The following day, he was placed on the 10-day injured list and was activated Aug. 4.

At the time of the injury, it was estimated that Muncy would need six weeks of recovery time.

Muncy wound up playing in eight games (seven starts) before landing back on the injured list. The unfortunate part is Muncy had not missed a beat at the plate, going 8-for-23 with four home runs, nine RBI and five runs scored after returning.