LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers removed Max Muncy from the disabled list and placed teammate infielder Tommy Edman on the list on Monday.
Muncy has been sidelined since July 2, sitting out almost five weeks due to a bone bruise in his knee following an impact during a tag play in a matchup against the Chicago White Sox. At the moment he got hurt, the experienced power hitter was enjoying a four-week surge, which helped raise his OPS to .832 along with 13 home runs and 55 RBI.
Muncy recovered faster than the original six-week estimate. He batted fifth and played third base at Dodger Stadium on Monday evening as Los Angeles began a home stand against the St. Louis Cardinals.
He has invested significant effort to return within this schedule," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "Bringing him back enhances and reinforces our batting order.
However, just as Muncy becomes fit enough to come back, the National League West-leading Dodgers are dealing with Edman's loss following an aggravation of his damaged right ankle.
Edman missed a match in Boston recently following an apparent ankle injury sustained while moving around the bases, and he exited the Dodgers' contest versus Tampa Bay on Sunday due to discomfort from running the bases once more.
I'm not sure how long it will take, but I believe he'll return eventually," Roberts stated. "The key issue is, once he comes back, how we can ensure this doesn't occur again. It seems to be a ligament injury, along with tendon issues, or something similar.
Edman sat out some games in May due to a twisted ankle. The National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player from last year is hitting .228 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs so far this season.
Edman becomes part of an extended group of Dodgers players who hope to come back soon from their injuries, strengthening the team's efforts to defend their World Series title. The Los Angeles squad did not take a significant action during last week's trade deadline, choosing instead to stick with their present lineup as they target complete fitness by October.
Insect specialist Kiké Hernández was sidelined last month due to a strained left elbow, and he remains far from coming back even after receiving several treatments such as platelet-rich plasma injections and steroid shots.
"We're still not at the point where we should be worried about losing the season," Roberts said regarding Hernández.
More positive updates regarding injuries: Second baseman Hyeseong Kim is currently hitting and fielding balls, preparing to return from left shoulder bursitis as early as this weekend, while relief pitcher Tanner Scott is set to take part in another batting practice session shortly as he continues recovering from left elbow inflammation.
Roki Sasaki remains on the disabled list during his bobblehead day on Monday. The young right-handed pitcher has been sidelined since May 8 due to a right shoulder issue, yet he is set to pitch three live innings this Friday following a recent practice where he threw at speeds in the mid-90s. Should his arm continue to respond well, Roberts mentioned that he could receive a minor league rehabilitation assignment next week.