The LA Dodgers' success can be attributed to this kind of camaraderie. When 'slugger' Max Muncy (35) fell to the ground due to an injury, the first person he thought of was pitcher Clayton Kershaw (37).
Muncy injured his left knee in a collision with an opposing runner while playing third base in the sixth inning of the home game against the Chicago White Sox at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on the 3rd.
With one out and runners on second base, runner Michael A. Taylor slid headfirst into third base, colliding hard with Muncy's left knee. Muncy fell forward without a chance to avoid the contact, clutching his left knee while complaining of pain. After lying on the ground for several minutes, Muncy was unable to stand and was helped off the field by trainers, limping.
Muncy was placed on the injured list on the 4th. According to MLB.com, Muncy underwent an MRI, which revealed a knee contusion. No serious structural damage that could lead to a season-ending injury was found, and he is expected to return after six weeks.
Muncy noted, "It’s disappointing news, but at the same time, it’s good news. Looking at the play, this result is probably the best-case scenario," expressing relief that he is not out for the season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also said, "Muncy will need time to recover from his injury. However, we are relieved that he can possibly return in the second half of the season. Even if he returns, he will need to manage his injury until the end of the season."
This season, Muncy has recorded a batting average of .250 (64 hits in 256 at-bats), with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs, contributing to the Dodgers' strong lead in their division. After a severe slump at the beginning of the season, he rebounded in May by wearing glasses to correct his vision, hitting .282 (46 hits in 163 at-bats) with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs over his last 52 games, while achieving an OPS of .956.
What Muncy regretted more than the injury was missing out on witnessing the moment of starting pitcher Kershaw's historic 3,000th strikeout. After Muncy was substituted due to his injury, Kershaw achieved his coveted 3,000th strikeout by striking out Vinny Capra on an outside low slider. He became the third pitcher in history to achieve 3,000 strikeouts as a one-club man.
Muncy said, "While lying on the ground, the first thought that came to mind was, ‘I’m going to cause Kershaw some worries.’ Later, while in the X-ray room, I heard the crowd cheering. I thought, ‘Oh, I missed that moment.’ That was the most painful thing. Of course, I dislike getting injured and having to sit out, but not being able to be on the field for Kershaw’s 3,000th strikeout was the biggest disappointment."
The Dodgers are known for having many star players, but they also have strong team cohesion, more than any other team. Even at the moment of his injury, Muncy was worried about Kershaw, and he regrets not being able to witness Kershaw's 3,000th strikeout record after being substituted.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers called up outfielder Estuery Luis from Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers to fill Muncy’s spot. The third base position will be shared for now by Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernández. Utility player Tommy Edman has also begun practicing at third base, which is expected to increase opportunities for Hyeseong Kim at second base.
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