The Los Angeles Dodgers at last appeared to be their closest to full health with the start of the postseason nearing, but the final weekend of the regular season saw Clayton Kershaw and Max Muncy both leave games early due to injury.
Clayton Kershaw came out of his start Friday night in the second inning and was subsequently placed on the 10-day injured list due to left forearm discomfort. Manager Dave Roberts said the team is preparing to be without Kershaw for the rest of the year.
On Sunday, Muncy was removed in the third inning when his left arm bent awkwardly as part of a collision with Jace Peterson as he ran through first base.
Muncy immediately went down and was writing in pain for several minutes. He eventually walked off the field and the Dodgers later announced he sustained a left elbow injury.
“There was some testing, but it’s still sort of unclear what it means,” manager Dave Roberts said after his club completed a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers.
“I think it’s still painful. We don’t want to close the door on a potential down-the-road postseason appearance. We’re going to kind of see how he responds the next few days and see where it takes us. … I think it’s deeper than the soft tissue. From what I hear, the X-rays and other scans, it’s still unclear. Which doesn’t sound right, but it’s the truth.
“That’s all I know right now. Like I said, I’m not going to close the door on Max looking out, but right now it certainly doesn’t look great.”
Although the Dodgers tied a franchise record with 106 wins, it was not enough to win the National League West and they are set to face the St. Louis Cardinals in the Wild Card Game on Wednesday. They figure to head into the one-game playoff without Muncy available.
“That’s very unlikely. Very unlikely,” Roberts said of the left-handed slugger. “But when we look out, hopefully it increases the possibility.”
When asked if Muncy still wouldn’t be available should the Dodgers advance to the NL Division Series, Roberts answered “it’s unlikely.”
Muncy led the team this season with 36 home runs, 94 RBI and 262 total bases.
How do Dodgers replace Muncy?
With Adam Wainwright slated to start for the Cardinals in the Wild Card Game, the Dodgers presumably will opt for a left-handed option at first base.
Cody Bellinger could slide in from the outfield, or Matt Beaty could be thrust into a starting role. Beaty went 3-for-3 with one home run and four RBI off the bench on Sunday.
“I think it’s more matchup-driven and figuring out what’s going to give us the best chance to win that game; net out the offense potential and defense as well,” Roberts said of the outlook at first base.
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