Dodgers News: Max Muncy Remains Out of Lineup, Should an IL Stint be on the Table?

In the last match of a three-game series sweep against Muncy's former ball club, the Oakland Athletics, the slugging batter took an 0-1 fastball to his wrist in the 5th inning.

After staying in as a runner, the 32-year-old veteran was pinch-hit for and has not seen the field since.

Max Muncy still out of #Dodgers lineup pic.twitter.com/lcnKZjww6C
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 6, 2023

The Dodgers diagnosed a left wrist contusion to the lefty batter and Dave Roberts gave an update to some of the banged-up veterans the Dodgers hope to have back sooner than later.

Some injury news from Dave Roberts:

- J.D. Martinez is available to pinch-hit today. Should be back in the lineup tomorrow.
- Max Muncy is only available to pinch-run the next two nights.
- Clayton Kershaw’s catch session today went well. Next bullpen date TBD.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 4, 2023

J.D. Martinez did end up pinch-hitting that night in the 10-5 victory against the Padres for the series opener and the slugger has been in the lineup since.

Muncy however, is still yet to be found in the Dodgers lineup. He may possibly be a pinch-hit option tonight but if he remains out of the game a possible IL stint could be in his future.

He shared an update of his own on Sunday where it seems like there's still enough pain in that wrist to be a cause for concern.

#Dodgers Max Muncy said his wrist “locked up” for two days after HBP. started swinging in the cage today. “Now it’s just about pain control”
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 6, 2023

With a history of dealing with nagging injuries suffering a left hamstring strain earlier this year that decommissioned him for 11 games, all the way back to the elbow injury he suffered in 2021.

The elbow injury combined with a want to rush the healing process and get back on the field accounted for the terrible start Muncy had in 2022. After missing about two weeks from that injury Muncy came back and slowly started to improve the stats as it was obvious his elbow had been feeling healthier.

Max Muncy wants to help his team win, even if he himself isn't 100%, but with the Dodgers focusing on winning the NL West and making a long run in the postseason, a possible quick IL stint for the veteran may end up being better for him and the team in the long run.