Max Muncy Sidelines Dodgers After Scary Collision: What We Know and What’s Next
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy is facing a six-week absence after suffering a left knee bone bruise in a mid-game collision that had fans and teammates holding their breath. While the injury looked nasty in real time, Muncy—and Dodgers Nation—breathed a huge sigh of relief after an MRI revealed no structural damage.
Let’s rewind a bit and unpack what went down, what it means for the Dodgers moving forward, and how the team plans to fill the Muncy-shaped hole at third base.
🎯 The Collision That Shook Dodger Stadium
It all unfolded during Wednesday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox. In the sixth inning, Muncy was involved in a bang-bang play at third. White Sox center fielder Michael A. Taylor was attempting to steal third base when Will Smith fired a dart from behind the plate. Muncy laid down the tag, got the out—but paid the price.
The collision left both players rattled. Muncy sprawled out on the dirt, grimacing in pain and unable to stand up on his own. Trainers rushed in, and eventually, he had to be helped off the field, barely putting any weight on his left leg. Fans held their breath, fearing the worst.
“I was just hoping something wasn’t torn,” Muncy shared later. “It was obviously amazing hearing the news that nothing was ripped or shredded. But six weeks still sounds like way too long in my head.”
🏥 Muncy’s Immediate Reaction: Relief With a Side of Frustration
In typical Muncy fashion, the guy stayed humble—even when flat on his back. As he told reporters, “Honestly, the first thing I thought lying there was, ‘Dang, I’m making Kersh sit there and think about stuff right now.’” That’s a reference to none other than Clayton Kershaw, who was in the middle of chasing his 3,000th career strikeout. Muncy’s injury halted the momentum briefly.
“I was in the X-ray room when I heard the crowd go nuts,” Muncy said, referencing the milestone moment when Kershaw punched out Vinny Capra. “Missing that—honestly, that was the most heartbreaking part for me.”
Let that sink in. Dude was dealing with a gnarly injury and still more upset about missing a teammate's moment than his own health.
🔄 Manager Dave Roberts’ Reaction: “Didn’t Watch the Replay”
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts admitted he was “very relieved” by the MRI results. But he didn’t even watch the replay of the collision.
“I heard it was tough to watch,” Roberts said, “but all I cared about was Max being okay. When I heard there was no structural damage, I was beyond relieved.”
And fans can’t blame him for skipping that replay—there was enough live drama to go around.
⚾ Shuffling the Infield: Who Steps In?
With Muncy out, Miguel Rojas got the start at third for Thursday’s series finale. But that’s not the only move in the Dodgers’ deck. Here’s what the shake-up looks like going forward:
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Friday vs. Houston: Expect to see Kiké Hernández taking reps at third.
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Coming soon: Utilityman Tommy Edman will start taking grounders and get himself prepped to join the rotation at the hot corner.
The Dodgers aren’t strangers to juggling their lineup due to injuries, and with Muncy expected to miss six weeks, versatility will be the name of the game.
📉 Muncy's 2025 Season So Far
Before the injury, Muncy was having a solid year. In 81 games, he was hitting .250 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs. He’s a power bat that can shift the tide of a game, and his absence will certainly be felt not just defensively, but in the lineup.
⚡ In Comes Esteury Ruiz: Speed and Spark
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers called up Esteury Ruiz from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Ruiz has been cooking down there—batting .292 with 8 home runs, 37 RBIs, and a blazing 38 stolen bases in just 66 games.
For those unfamiliar, Ruiz came over in April from the Oakland A’s in exchange for minor league pitcher Carlos Duran after the A’s designated him for assignment.
The guy brings a serious spark to the basepaths and could inject some much-needed speed into the Dodgers' offense while Muncy heals up. He’s expected to get action over the weekend, and fans are eager to see what he brings to the big stage.
🔍 Michael A. Taylor's Update
It wasn’t just Muncy who got dinged up. Taylor was also shaken up after the collision. A White Sox trainer tended to him immediately, and he ended up leaving the game as well with a bruised back. He cleared concussion protocol but was still too sore to suit up on Thursday.
As of now, there’s no timeline for Taylor’s return, but the White Sox are proceeding with caution.
🧩 What This Means for the Dodgers
So where does this leave LA? In a word: adaptive. The team’s depth is getting tested again. Between shifting infield assignments and calling up Triple-A talent like Ruiz, the Dodgers are leaning into their depth and flexibility.
Losing a key player like Muncy isn’t ideal—especially during a stretch that includes tough matchups like Houston. But the Dodgers are no strangers to adversity. And with veteran leadership, a versatile roster, and a farm system that delivers, they’re equipped to weather this storm.
👀 Final Take
The Max Muncy injury was a moment of real anxiety for Dodgers fans. It looked bad. It felt worse. But the good news is, it’s not the worst-case scenario. No surgery. No season-ending fears.
Sure, six weeks is a long time to miss, especially in a tight playoff race. But if Muncy rehabs well—and the Dodgers continue to fill in the gaps—they’ll survive this.
Let’s not forget the bigger picture here: Kershaw’s 3,000th strikeout, Esteury Ruiz’s MLB shot, and the ever-unfolding story of a Dodgers team that always finds a way to keep swinging.
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