Dave Roberts Discloses Why Max Muncy Is Sitting Out Against the Angels
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that star third baseman Max Muncy will be absent from the lineup against the Los Angeles Angels due to a bone bruise in his left knee. The injury, sustained during a collision earlier in the season, has sidelined Muncy for approximately six weeks—creating a significant void in both the Dodgers’ offensive and defensive setups
Muncy has long been an offensive cornerstone for the Dodgers, ranking among the team’s top performers in home runs and RBIs this season. With his bat power and run-producing ability, Muncy brings a unique offensive threat that opponents must respect. Obliviously, his absence disrupts the familiar rhythm of Los Angeles’s lineup. As Roberts noted, “when he’s not in the lineup, our offense tapers off” — a testament to Muncy’s impact both in the box and in shaping opposing pitching strategies.(SI)
Stepping into the breach, utility man Tommy Edman has taken the field at third base during practice sessions and is expected to start at the hot corner, particularly in matchups against right-handed pitchers. Notably, Hyeseong Kim may also shift positions, likely heading over to second base as a result of these defensive realignments. For games against lefty opponents, Dave Roberts plans to rotate starts between Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas at third base.(Dodgers Nation)
The Dodgers haven’t been without contingency plans, and the infield shuffle reflects strategic adaptation as much as necessity. Roberts shared insights into Edman’s preparation, pointing out that while there’s work to be done—especially regarding footwork and positioning—the fundamentals are transferable between infield spots. “Catching the ball, getting behind your throws… it’s a lot of the same concepts,” he explained.(Dodgers Nation)
Muncy’s journey this season has been a tale of high reward and frequent challenges. In just 43 games, he’s delivered a milestone 200th career home run with the Dodgers—an achievement few have earned so efficiently in franchise history. However, his season hit a turning point on July 2, when a collision with Chicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor left him off the field with what was later diagnosed as a bone bruise in his left knee.
For Roberts and the Dodgers coaching staff, the key now is maintaining offensive potency and ensuring defensive reliability during Muncy’s absence. Robertson has called on other core players—particularly outfielders Teoscar Hernández and Michael Conforto—to elevate their production. Without Muncy anchoring the middle of the lineup, the Dodgers must find contributions from a broader range of hitters to sustain their momentum
Despite the disruption, knowledge of the injury’s nature—the good news being no structural damage—offers some relief. Roberts expressed confidence in Muncy’s recovery timeline, hopeful that the six-week estimate is the “best-case scenario.” Moreover, he emphasized the essential role Muncy plays, underlining how the lineup’s threat diminishes in his absence
As Los Angeles adjusts through this stretch, one thing is certain: Muncy’s influence extends well beyond the stat sheet. His presence demands attention from opposing pitchers and energizes his teammates. Whether Tommy Edman, Hyeseong Kim, Kiké Hernández, or Miguel Rojas steps in, the Dodgers will rely on them to uphold that standard. The strategy for the weeks ahead isn’t just about filling a roster spot—it’s about sustaining a system built around Muncy’s multi-faceted contributions.
