Dodgers: Ranking most important injury returns over next few weeks

1. Max Muncy

We’re just as surprised as you that we’re listing Max Muncy ahead of Bellinger and Seager in terms of whose return is most important, but can you really blame us?

After all, Muncy was tearing the absolute cover off the ball before suffering what was ultimately diagnosed as a mild oblique strain last week. This came after the 2019 All-Star missed time with an ankle injury, so Dodgers fans will be hoping this spell on the sidelines didn’t cool him down.

In 60 games, Muncy is slashing .264/.418/.528 with 14 home runs and 33 RBI. To put his season into perspective, his .418 OBP and 46 walks still lead MLB. The six-year pro has also scored 40 runs, smacked seven doubles and is posting a .947 OPS.

Max Muncy’s return cannot come soon enough for the Dodgers.

It’s not a stretch to say the Dodgers are a better team with Muncy in the lineup. It also isn’t a stretch to say Muncy is one of the very best players in baseball.

Taking that into account, fans will love hearing Muncy joined Los Angeles for batting practice before their series opener vs Arizona over the weekend. As long he gets through the next 24 hours without a setback, expect Muncy to be back in the lineup for Game 2 or 3 vs the Padres.

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