Jake Dicker
Max Muncy exited tonight’s game versus the Padres in the 5th inning after being hit by a fastball on his right wrist. The incident looked very similar to the one that kept Chris Taylor sidelined for over a month with a wrist fracture. It was announced later in the game that Muncy had been diagnosed with a right wrist contusion. According to Ken Gurnick, Dodgers beat reporter for MLB.com, Muncy said the wrist is sore, and he is hoping it is just a bone bruise. He will know more when he wakes up in the morning. At the very least, expect Muncy to be sidelined for a couple days. If he hits the IL, top prospect Gavin Lux could see time at second base if called up once rosters expand on September 1st.
Max Muncy said his wrist is sore and the hope is a bone bruise, but he’ll know more tomorrow. Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 29, 2019
Kenley Jansen was on the mound in the 9th with a one run lead, and blew his 7th save of the year, tying a career high. Dodger fans have been very vocal about their disappointment with Jansen’s performance, and the chirps are only getting louder. Jansen gave up a leadoff double to Francisco Mejia, a deep flyball to right moved him to third, and he scored on a wild pitch. In Kenley’s defense, the double was a weakly hit fly ball that probably should have been caught by Chris Taylor. However, it has been a very long time since Kenley had a clean ninth inning, which is the biggest concern. If the Dodgers want to end their World Series drought in October, Kenley needs to find his groove and return to reliable arm he has been in years past.
The Dodgers were able to sneak across two runs in the top of the 10th against lockdown closer Kirby Yates, thanks to a defensive miscue that allowed the inning to continue. With two outs and a runner on second base in a tie game, Padres shortstop Luis Urias made an incredible back-handed play to stop a scorching ground ball off the bat of Russell Martin, but overthrew Eric Hosmer at first base, allowing the go ahead run to score. The Dodgers then strung together hits from Will Smith and A.J. Pollock to add another run. Casey Sadler recorded his first career save in the bottom of the tenth inning.
The Dodgers head to Arizona tomorrow to begin a four game set with the Diamondbacks. The magic number to clinch the division currently sits at 9, with the earliest possible outright clinching date being Tuesday.
I’ll say it once again and I’ll keep saying it, DON’T bring Jensen in when you only have a 1 or 2 run lead. I like him but he’s become dangerous for the Dodger bullpen. he is not the Jenson of old. Or is he getting too old for this game? He and all relievers have to have a say so if they can go out there and do the job. I’ve noticed that most times the pitcher didn’t put the ball where the catcher was calling for it, and that’s when they get hurt. These guys are supposed to be the best in short innings. Kelly has been better, and maybe it’s time to make him a closer.