Dodgers: Max Muncy’s latest comments on injury can count out possible WS return

While the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ task at the moment would be much easier had Max Muncy not suffered an elbow injury during the final game of the 2021 regular season, the silver lining here is Cody Bellinger’s unexpected emergence after his dreadful campaign.

Had Muncy not been injured, Bellinger wouldn’t have been getting the amount of exposure he has, because manager Dave Roberts has been forced to put him at first base and Gavin Lux/Chris Taylor in center field.

With the rest of the lineup sleepwalking, Bellinger has continued to deliver timely hit after timely hit. Nonetheless, while it’s been a sensational ride, Muncy’s presence as a team leader and fearsome lefty bat (the team’s best power hitter!) has been missed.

Unfortunately, it’s time for Dodgers fans to get used to it should this team make it to the World Series, because the slugger’s latest commentary suggests his 2021 season is all but officially over.

Dodgers 1B Max Muncy’s elbow is still bothering him fairly significantly.

Thank goodness Bellinger has woken up. Here’s what Muncy told Bill Plunkett of the OC Register about his elbow (subscription required):

"“The range of motion has actually been pretty decent the last couple days [and] we’re able to get more movement in it than we thought.”But then came the bad news.“It’s just one of those things where it’s not really close to normal and probably won’t be. If we’re able to play, it’ll be essentially gutting through.”"

At this point, do you think the Dodgers would risk adding a question mark in Muncy with how bad the rest of the offense has been for most of this postseason? Would the “threat” of a really limited Muncy really change anything?

If he’s not 100%, not only is it a risk for his health, but it’s an even greater danger to import another cold bat to a lineup that’s mostly filled with them.

The only positive here would be getting Belli in center field to provide a more complete defensive roster, but in six days’ time, how realistic would it be for Muncy to go all out while handling duties at first base? Gavin Lux hasn’t exactly been the most impressive in center field, but he’s been solid, and in no way should the dropped fly ball in Game 3 seal his fate. He’s made some heads up plays and good breaks on other hits. Plus, he provides another lefty bat and had a .455 OBP in the NLDS.

Though we once believed Muncy would return to the NLCS, perhaps it’s a safe bet for fans to mentally prepare to be without him for the rest of the way. The Dodgers can’t mortgage both their short- and long-term future with such a move … unless he were to miraculously recover within the next week should LA defeat the Braves.

Dodgers: ‘Positive’ Max Muncy injury update is still pretty scary

The Los Angeles Dodgers received 'good news' on Max Muncy's elbow, but most Dodger fans won't feel enthusiastic about his return chances.