Dodgers News: Roberts Hopeful Muncy’s Injury is Just an MCL Sprain; Will Undergo MRI on Thursday
LOS ANGELES, CA— Yesterday was supposed to be a day of celebration, happiness, and history as veteran left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw was just three strikeouts away from career No. 3,000.
However, entering the top of the sixth inning, the Chicago White Sox center fielder, Michael A. Taylor, decided to steal third base with his team up 4-2. Will Smith, who was just selected to start his first All-Star Game, was on the money with the throw, and Muncy was able to apply a successful tag on the run.
However, during the play, Taylor’s head rammed right into Muncy’s left knee, dropping the third baseman to the ground. It was such a nasty play that the SportsNet LA broadcast refused to show the reply, but the damage was done—Muncy was out of the game, needing help from a trainer to get up on his feet, and Dodgers fans feared the worst.
Kershaw would proceed to make history just a second later, getting Vinny Capra to strikeout looking, giving him his third strikeout of the day and No. 3,000 in his career. But overshadowing the milestone and celebration was the injury to Muncy.
During the game, the Dodgers updated those waiting, stating that Muncy had left the game with left knee pain (duh), and all eyes were now on Dave Roberts, who would update the media after the game.
After the Dodgers’ walk-off win, Roberts stated that the team was optimistic that the injury is just a knee sprain rather than a tear; however, Muncy will get an MRI tomorrow to confirm.
“Max is going to get an MRI [Thursday],” Roberts said after the game. “A lot of the tests that they did right now, we feel optimistic. I think that our hope is that it’s a sprain. Obviously, for the next few days, I’m sure he’ll probably be down. The MRI will show more.”
Roberts continued that the team does not know whether Muncy will need a placement on the 10-day injured list, as the MRI scheduled for Thursday will determine that. However, I’d be willing to bet the farm that it will be the case.
Depending on the severity of the sprain (if it’s not a tear), Muncy could miss anywhere from three to eight weeks on the injured list, which is not suitable for the Dodgers’ offense, as Muncy has been one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball since May.
Since April 30th, the day Muncy put on glasses, the left-handed slugger has been hitting a combined .287/.414/.575, with a 172 wRC+, thirteen home runs, and fifty-one RBIs.
In the meantime, expect the Dodgers to split time at the hot corner between veteran Miguel Rojas and utilityman Kiké Hernández rather than look to minor league infielder Alex Freeland.
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