Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Reveals Max Muncy Injury News Right Before Padres Series

Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Reveals Max Muncy Injury News Right Before Padres Series originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Los Angeles Dodgers veteran Max Muncy entered Friday with a .258 batting average, 17 home runs and 64 RBI. Muncy has played in 89 games this season for the Dodgers, the team he has been with since 2018.

Muncy has been a mainstay in the lineup for quite some time, although he played in just 73 games in 2024 after playing in 130 or more in each of the previous three seasons.

The Dodgers have dropped to second place in the National League West after a stunning turn of events, despite a nine-game National League West lead back on July 4. On Friday, they kick off a three-game set with the San Diego Padres in hopes of claiming the top spot back.

Dodgers Get Max Muncy Injury News

However, right before the series began, Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts revealed some unfortunate injury news on Muncy. The veteran is dealing with a Grade 1 oblique strain and is going on the IL, per Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.

“I don’t think anybody expects it to be season-ending, but hopefully it’s sooner rather than later," Roberts said.

Muncy last played on Tuesday in the Dodgers' 7-6 loss to the Los Angeles Angels, and he was hitless in four at-bats.

On Wednesday, Muncy was a late scratch after it was revealed that he experienced "soreness" in his right side during batting practice. Initially, there was hope that Muncy would be able to rest and recover with the Dodgers having a day off on Thursday, but instead, he is headed to the IL in an untimely blow.

Muncy was replaced in the lineup by Alex Freeland on Wednesday, although he went hitless in three at-bats, but did draw a walk and score a run.

Freeland is once again in the starting lineup at third base, which is Muncy's normal position. The 23-year-old reserve is hitting just .176 on the year in 12 games.

Los Angeles also has Tommy Edman, Hyeseong Kim and Kike Hernandez on the IL, so the depth has taken a bit of a hit at an inopportune time.

The Dodgers claimed Toronto Blue Jays infielder Buddy Kennedy, and he will be going straight to the active roster as Muncy lands on the IL.

Related: Dave Roberts Assigns Blame After Dodgers' Fourth Straight Loss

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.