The Los Angeles Dodgers made a significant roster adjustment on Monday, activating third baseman Max Muncy from the injured list while simultaneously placing utility player Tommy Edman on the IL with a right ankle injury. The move brings a key power bat back to the lineup but sidelines a versatile defender, highlighting the ongoing challenges the first-place club faces in maintaining a healthy roster down the stretch.
Muncy returned to his familiar No. 5 spot in the batting order for the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium. His return comes just over a month after a frightening on-field collision that he initially believed had ended his season. During a game against the Chicago White Sox on July 2, Muncy’s left knee was struck by baserunner Michael A. Taylor, who was sliding headfirst into third base. The incident occurred just moments before teammate Clayton Kershaw recorded his historic 3,000th career strikeout.
“As I was laying there on the ground that night, I thought for sure, ‘This is it,’” Muncy told reporters before Monday’s game, as reported by ESPN. “Obviously, you have a million things that start going through your mind. Obviously, they’re all the worst.”
Fortunately, an MRI revealed no structural damage, and after a successful rehab assignment with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets, Muncy is back in the fold. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return this season, stating, “I’m going to try to enjoy every second of it knowing how close it was to not being there for me.” In his first game back, Muncy went 0-for-3 in the Dodgers’ 3-2 loss to the Cardinals.
While Muncy’s return is a welcome boost, the Dodgers’ infield depth takes a hit with the loss of Tommy Edman. The 30-year-old utility man suffered what the team is calling a right ankle sprain while rounding first base in the fifth inning of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The injury is particularly concerning as it is a re-aggravation of a previous issue that caused Edman to miss two weeks in May.
Since returning from that initial injury, Edman has struggled at the plate, slashing just .214/.273/.323 over a 56-game stretch. Given the recurring nature of the injury, the Dodgers plan to be cautious with his recovery. Manager Dave Roberts did not provide a specific timeline for his return but emphasized the need for a full recovery this time around.
“Where we’re at on the calendar, we’ve got to make sure we do everything on the front end that we don’t have a setback,” Roberts said. He confirmed Edman would “be back at some point,” but the team’s priority is ensuring he is completely healed before he steps back on the field.
The roster shuffle comes as the Dodgers, who hold a 65-48 record and a lead in the National League West, begin a crucial homestand. Muncy’s presence provides a significant power threat in the middle of an already potent offense, which will be vital as the team navigates the final months of the regular season and prepares for a postseason run.
