Dodgers' Dave Roberts Makes Decision Immediately After Max Muncy News

Dodgers' Dave Roberts Makes Decision Immediately After Max Muncy News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reeling after a stunning sweep at the hands of the crosstown rival Los Angeles Angels, a skid that has dropped them out of first place in the NL West for the first time since late April.

With momentum shifting, the surging San Diego Padres now hold a narrow one-game lead heading into a pivotal weekend showdown that could reshape the division race.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers will once again be without Max Muncy in the lineup, as it was announced before Friday’s series opener that the team’s star third baseman would be placed on the injured list with a Grade 1 oblique strain.

Muncy had played just eight games since returning from the injured list in early August after suffering a left knee bone bruise that sidelined him for nearly the entire month of July.

The 34-year-old veteran has been enjoying one of the best seasons of his ten-year career, posting a .258 batting average, .880 OPS, 17 home runs, and 64 RBIs across 89 games.

Dodgers Lose Max Muncy Again Ahead of Crucial Padres Series

With Muncy sidelined, the Dodgers once again faced a decision on who would take over third base in his absence.

Tommy Edman and Enrique Hernandez had filled in during Muncy’s previous stint on the IL, but both are currently injured and unavailable.

Manager Dave Roberts announced that rookie Alex Freeland and recent waiver claim Buddy Kennedy would handle third base duties moving forward.

"Kennedy and Freeland will split time at third base, Roberts said."

Kennedy and Freeland will split time at third base, Roberts said.

— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) August 15, 2025

Freeland and Kennedy to Share Third Base With Muncy Sidelined

Freeland made his MLB debut in late July, three years after being selected in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft. The 23-year-old switch-hitter has struggled at the plate, posting a .176 batting average and .510 OPS, but has shown reliable defense at third base.

Kennedy, a 26-year-old journeyman, was claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday after appearing in just two games for Toronto this season. He’s expected to serve in a depth role while Freeland handles most of the work at third.

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