Dodgers Briefing: Several players missing, Muncy hurt, Kershaw gets opener

2. Max Muncy injured his left ring finger

First baseman Max Muncy suffered an injury to his left ring finger that kept him out of the lineup during the team’s intrasquad game on Monday.

“He took a ball off the finger, so we just wanted to give him some time,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said (h/t Dodger Blue). “He’s going to lay low for a little bit. Right now, he’s kind of day-to-day. It was his left ring finger … the metacarpal.”

Should be back soon: Roberts followed up by saying the injury wasn’t serious and he doesn’t expect Muncy to miss the start of the season, which is less than three weeks away.

Change in swing: Muncy spent time over the offseason working to improve his approach against offspeed pitches. He felt he was landing on his front leg wrong, which could have contributed to a .197 batting average against breaking stuff last season. Muncy told Dodgers Insider in April that hitting coaches Brant Brown and Robert Van Scoyoc flew to Texas to work with him during the offseason.

Record books: Muncy became the first Dodger hitter to have back-to-back 30+ home run seasons since Shawn Green in 2001-02 when he connected for 35 long balls for the second consecutive season last year. Signed to a minor league contract, ready to quite baseball entirely, the left-hander has turned into one of the most consistent power hitters in the National League. He credits his success to a change in his mental approach, by playing the game for the right reasons again.

3. Clayton Kershaw named Opening Day starter

For the ninth time of his career Clayton Kershaw will take the ball on Opening Day for the Dodgers. Dave Roberts informed reporters of the decision on Tuesday. It allows Kershaw to extend his team record for season-opening starts. He missed last year’s opener due to a shoulder injury.

Usually starts with a win: Kershaw is 5-1 with a 1.05 ERA in his previous eight openers, and the Dodgers have gone 7-1 in those games. The team’s only loss came in 2018 against the San Francisco Giants, who they are set to open against this season on July 23.

Best opening performance: There are a lot to choose from, but 2013 has to be the most impressive. Kershaw pitched a complete game shutout against the Giants, striking out 7 batters while walking none. He allowed only four hits. But that’s not all! He also hit his only career home run, saving it for a big moment, as it broke open a scoreless tie in the bottom of the 8th inning.

Not ready to pass the baton: An argument could be made that Walker Buehler is ready to be the Ace of this Dodger pitching staff, but don’t tell that to Mr. Kershaw. The left-hander had quality starts in 22 of his 29 outings last year, and while his ERA was up a bit (over three runs for the first time since 2008), he finished the second half of the schedule with a 9-3 record and 2.95 ERA.

4. Ross Stripling is making his case for open rotation spot

Catcher Will Smith had the opportunity to receive Ross Stripling during the team’s intrasquad game on Monday. Smith told reporters that he liked what he saw from the right-hander who could find himself in the starting rotation with David Price opting out. Smith said Stripling’s change-up looked improved, and noted that the pitcher has been working on his grips during the offseason.

• Stripling’s change-up: The right-hander uses his change-up to offset left-handed hitters. Last season, he got a 33.9% whiff rate on it, and opponents hit .269 and slugged .385 when making contact.

Dustin May throwing gas: Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that May touched 99 MPH against live hitters over the weekend.

• 2020 role: The top pitching prospect could find himself in the starting rotation to replace David Price, as the opening is up for grabs between Stripling, May, and Tony Gonsolin. Roberts told reporters “There’s a lot to like with Dustin, in either role (starting or relieving).”

Clayton Beeter added to player pool: Dave Roberts confirmed to reporters that 2020 MLB draft pick and recent signee Clayton Beeter was added to the Dodgers player pool for this season. The team didn’t want to waste a year of his development since the minor league season has been canceled.

Watch the Dodgers play actual baseball: Wednesday’s intrasquad game will be streamed on the Dodgers Twitter and Facebook accounts with commentary from Alanna Rizzo and Nomar Garciaparra. The action starts at 6:40pm PT and is expected to last for about 3 innings.

That does it for today. Please check back tomorrow for the next Dodgers Briefing!