When the Dodgers manager speaks about Max Muncy these days, there’s a careful optimism in his voice that tells you everything about where the team finds itself right now. Let’s roll back a few weeks.
The entire Muncy incident can be traced to that brutal game against the Chicago White Sox on July 2nd. It was during this match that the third baseman went down with what would eventually be diagnosed as a bone bruise in his left knee. Want to guess what happened next? Dave Roberts had to place him on the 10-day IL immediately, and suddenly the Dodgers found themselves scrambling. But here’s the thing about this team—when one guy goes down, others step up. The bullpen has been working overtime, throwing more innings than any other team in MLB, and players have been putting in extra effort to compensate for missing pieces.
Muncy’s situation has become the centerpiece of it all. With the team looking pretty good at 59-43 and sitting atop the NL West, the manager knows that getting his veteran slugger back healthy isn’t just about one player—it’s about keeping the championship momentum alive.
Roberts delivered the latest update with his trademark measured approach: “I don’t think that changes much, knowing the certainty of Max coming back at some point,” he told reporters recently. The manager revealed that Muncy would be heading to Arizona for his rehab assignment, saying, “Yeah, Max is going to go to Arizona. He’ll be in Arizona tomorrow and then he’ll take live at-bats, you know, for a few days, and then as we get through the weekend, we’ll see where he’s at to potentially go on.”
Roberts also addressed the mental side of recovery, noting how players tend to push themselves when things aren’t going perfectly: “When things are going how they’re going, people tend to want to do more to try to be proactive and force certain things. That’s just human nature.”
Speaking of that human nature Roberts mentioned, the Dodgers have been testing their resilience with mounting injuries all season. Key players sidelined include starters Gavin Stone and River Ryan (both out for the season after surgeries) and closer Blake Treinen battling forearm tightness. Well, you know? Muncy’s situation becomes part of a bigger puzzle Roberts has been piecing together. Teammates have rallied around these absences, showing the depth that separates championship teams. It makes sense they’ve maintained that .578 winning percentage despite this adversity.
Just when it seemed like the injury bug might finally give them a break, another devastating blow was about to rock the organization. The latest casualty would hit where it hurts most—right in the heart of their bullpen.
Dodgers’ $72 Million Closer Tanner Scott Hits the IL
Just when you thought the Dodgers’ injury woes couldn’t get any worse, the baseball gods decided to add another cruel twist to their already challenging season. Tanner Scott, the team’s high-priced closer, felt that dreaded “tingling sensation” in his forearm during Monday’s game against Minnesota—the kind of feeling that makes every pitcher’s heart skip a beat. Want to guess what happened next? Roberts had to watch his $72 million investment limp off the mound after just two-thirds of an inning, adding another name to their growing medical report.
The emotional toll on Scott was evident as Roberts revealed the closer “is not doing well” mentally, understanding the weight of uncertainty that comes with arm issues. Fortunately, his MRI showed only elbow inflammation rather than structural damage, though he still landed on the 15-day IL. Well, you know? When you’re already juggling four other bullpen arms on the injury list, losing your closer feels like another punch to the gut.
Source: True Blue LA website
Scott’s 4.14 ERA across 47 games had already raised eyebrows about consistency, despite his 19 saves. Now the Dodgers face an even deeper bullpen crisis, making every late-inning situation a potential adventure. The team’s resilience will be tested once again as they navigate another significant loss.
Tbh, it makes sense that Roberts emphasized the positive news about Scott’s structural integrity, but the reality remains harsh—the Dodgers’ championship aspirations now depend on finding creative solutions to their mounting relief pitching problems.
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