Dodgers get disappointing injury news as Max Muncy hits the IL

Dodgers get disappointing injury news as Max Muncy hits the IL originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed third baseman Max Muncy on the injured list Friday evening prior to their weekend clash with the San Diego Padres. Muncy was a late scratch prior to the Dodgers' game on Wednesday when he felt soreness in his right side during batting practice, and now he lands on the IL.

Muncy is dealing with a Grade 1 oblique strain on his right side, but the injury is not expected to be season ending, according to David Vassegh.

Muncy had played in just eight games for the Dodgers after missing over a month with a left knee injury. It's a big blow for Los Angeles as their injuries continue to pile up, not to mention with their most important series of the season taking place this weekend.

While the top of the Dodgers' lineup is still intact, Muncy adds to the already injured Tommy Edman, Hyeseong Kim and Kiké Hernandez.

Despite playing in just 89 of the Dodgers' 121 games this season, Muncy has been one of Los Angeles' most productive players. The Dodgers are averaging 5.79 runs per game when Muncy plays compared to just 3.47 runs per game without the third baseman in the lineup, according to Noah Camras.

Muncy is slashing .258 with an .880 OPS this year, and has hit 17 home runs and collected 64 RBI. His OPS+ sits at 145 this season, which would be his best output since 2018.

The injury to Muncy comes at an unfortunate time for the Dodgers, and they'll need their stars to produce in his absence if they want to regain control of the NL West. However, the good news is manager Dave Roberts does expect Muncy to return sometime this season.