Can the Dodgers Maximize Muncy’s Early Season Woes?
Since the beginning of the 2022 Major League Baseball season, it has been clear that Max Muncy of the Los Angeles Dodgers has not been the same Max Muncy we have seen since 2018. Now, it’s been evident that the elbow injury he suffered back at the very end of the 2021 MLB season right before the postseason has taken its toll. Although, after his recent defensive blunder against the Philadelphia Phillies in extra innings on May 22, it may be time to consider some time off for Muncy.
On the season, Muncy has a batting average of .156 with 19 hits in 122 at-bats, three home runs, and 13 runs batted in. On top of this, Muncy also hasn’t been too sharp defensively playing a majority of second and third base now with former MVP Freddie Freeman at first base every night. Muncy stated in his postgame interview with SportsNet LA, “I go out there every day and try to do whatever I can to help the team win… unfortunately today I didn’t add to helping us win.”
Let’s be real for a second though, Max Muncy since 2018 has been one of the most important pieces to this Dodgers team and has led the team in a few categories such as HR: 121 (1st), RBI: 311 (1st), Runs: 328 (1st), wRC+: 135 (1st) which is almost above league average, and fWAR: 14.8 (1st). So as Doug McKain @DMAC_LA on Twitter stated, “Might be time to give him some time off, but let’s not forget how BIG Muncy has been for LA.”
So, how can the Dodgers maximize Muncy’s early season woes? Well, for one it’s important to point out the fact that they have one of the best records in Major League Baseball at 28-13. Due to their good start this year, giving Muncy some time off shouldn’t hurt them too much and can allow other bats such as left-handed power-hitter Edwin Rios who only has 45 at-bats with five HR on the year get more reps in the Dodgers lineup as a DH or get defensive reps as well. This can also benefit the Dodgers in the long run, with it only being May, letting Muncy get his mind right and re-gain that confidence he’s always had in LA can give the Dodgers a nice spark going into the summer and approaching the second-half of the season.
Ultimately, yes, the Dodgers will miss Muncy’s ability to still get on base by generating walks, but some time off can be beneficial for both sides if they decide to go that route. If not, with the Dodgers currently taking on the 14-28 Washington Nationals, it will be interesting to see whether Muncy takes out a little bit of that frustration on them or if his struggles will continue. Either way, it’s important for Dodgers fans to remember just how important Max Muncy has been for the last 4 years and how important he will be moving forward.
