The Los Angeles Dodgers’ postseason push was halted for a moment on Wednesday, July 2, when third baseman Max Muncy crumpled in pain after a collision at third base against the Chicago White Sox. The injury, which left Muncy unable to walk off the field unassisted, has raised concern as the July 31 trade deadline looms. With the Dodgers already grappling with a depleted pitching staff, Muncy’s potential absence could force the front office to rethink its strategy.
Max Muncy’s Injury Could Change the LA Dodgers’ Strategies
In the sixth inning of a 5-4 walk-off win, Muncy made an athletic tag to nab Michael A. Taylor stealing third. As Taylor slid headfirst, his head struck Muncy’s left knee, causing it to bend unnaturally. Muncy collapsed near the base, requiring help from trainers to reach the dugout.
Max Muncy took a nasty fall at 3B and immediately grabbed his knee 😳
Hoping Muncy is okay 🙏
Via SNLA pic.twitter.com/fUfKZ8uADq
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 3, 2025
Taylor also left the game with a left trap contusion. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed some optimism while maintaining caution, telling reporters the team hopes the MRI on Thursday will only reveal a sprain. Muncy, 34, has been a cornerstone for the Dodgers, slashing .252/.377/.461 with 13 homers and 55 RBIs this season.
Muncy’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Dodgers’ pitching staff, once their biggest strength, has been ravaged by injuries. Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell are sidelined with shoulder issues, and Roki Sasaki’s return remains uncertain. The team has leaned heavily on Dustin May and Clayton Kershaw, who notched his 3,000th career strikeout in the same game.
Shohei Ohtani, limited to two-inning starts as he works back from injury, has forced increased bullpen usage. Despite a recent stabilization, thanks to Tanner Scott, Anthony Banda, and the returns of Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech, the Dodgers are eyeing another high-leverage arm like Tampa Bay’s Pete Fairbanks.
The Dodgers have also landed a trade proposal for Kansas City’s Seth Lugol. He is a 2024 All-Star with a 2.74 ERA over 88.2 innings. Analysts believe that Lugo, a free agent after this season, could strengthen the rotation as a rental, though it would cost mid-tier prospects from L.A.’s deep farm system.
However, Muncy’s injury shifts focus to third base. Enrique Hernandez filled in on Wednesday, but a prolonged absence could push the Dodgers to seek infield depth. The Rays, who hold a team-friendly $7 million option on Fairbanks for 2026, are unlikely sellers given their Wild Card lead, but past deals with L.A. under Andrew Friedman will keep the door open.
The Dodgers’ 5-4 comeback, sealed by Freddie Freeman’s walk-off single, showed their resilience, but Muncy’s MRI results will shape their deadline approach.