The Dodgers are hoping their attempt to repeat as champions isn’t about to take a major hit.
Star third baseman Max Muncy had to be helped off the field after injuring his left knee in a collision at third base Wednesday night in a 5-4 win over the White Sox, and will undergo an MRI on Thursday.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team is optimistic following the initial wave of tests, but they will wait for the MRI results before determining if a stint on the injured list is needed.
“I think that our hope it’s a sprain,” he said. “Obviously, for the next few days I’m sure he’ll probably be down but, again, the MRI (on Thursday) will show more.”
The scary play happened in the sixth inning Wednesday while Michael A. Taylor attempted to steal third base with the White Sox leading 4-2.
Taylor slid head-first into the bag and right into Muncy’s left knee, which caved inward in an awkward way before he fell to the dirt after applying the tag for the second out.
Muncy immediately grabbed his left knee and writhed in pain while an already energetic crowd realized what had happened.
Starter Clayton Kershaw stood one strikeout away from the 3,000th of his career at the moment, which he would tally during that at-bat.
“Oh, no,” Dodgers announcer Stephen Nelson said. “The swing of emotions in this Dodger Stadium crowd.”
Muncy did not stay on the ground long, being helped to his feet before hobbling off the diamond with the aid of a trainer.
While he walked off, Dodgers analyst Oral Hershiser noted how they would not show the replay since Muncy’s knee “pretty much goes the opposite way.”
“It’s a tough injury to watch,” the former star pitcher said.
Enrique Hernandez replaced Muncy at the hot corner, and the Dodgers rallied for three runs in the ninth for a walk-off win.
Losing Muncy would be a tough blow for the NL West leaders since the 34-year-old has rounded into form after a slow start.
Muncy entered May 31 hitting .210 with a .678 OPS, but he drove in seven runs while mashing two homers that night against the Yankees and has since slashed .333/.454/.690 with a 1.143 OPS entering Wednesday.
“We’re all thinking about Munce right now,” Kershaw said. “He’s a huge part of our team, made a great play there. I don’t really know why (Taylor) stole there; it just seemed unnecessary. I feel bad that it happened. We’re all holding our breath that Munce is going to be OK. He’s obviously a huge part of our team, and especially the last two months he’s been unbelievable.
“Hope Munce is OK.”
