Max Muncy, the third baseman for the Dodgers, is set to return to the lineup on Saturday for the second game in a three-game series against the Angels, according to manager Dave Roberts.
Prior to Friday’s opening game of the series, Roberts noted that Muncy was still experiencing some pain from the previous night’s 3-2 defeat against the Dodgers. This was due to a head-on collision with Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas at first base.
“He’s fine,” Roberts assured. “I bruised my nose a little bit. Overall, I’m feeling a little sore, but I’m good. I think I’ll be fine tomorrow.”
The collision happened in the fifth inning with two outs when Muncy grounded out to Vargas, who was positioned along the first base line. It turned into a bit of a race to the bag.
Muncy managed to reach first base first but couldn’t dodge the incoming Vargas.
“While I was running down the line, I noticed him in the foul area, so I moved to the inside of the bag, thinking he would stay there. We both seemed unsure of which way to go, and then it felt like we both picked the wrong direction,” Muncy explained to reporters in Phoenix. “And then—bam.”
Roberts mentioned it’s still unclear if Muncy might be available to pinch hit on Friday; that decision would be made after Muncy has warmed up. However, he expressed confidence that Muncy will be treated like any other starter beginning Saturday.
Muncy is also set to play on Sunday.
The Dodgers will have a day off on Monday, intending to head to Pittsburgh that day.
