Dodgers' Max Muncy Placed on IL with Oblique Injury, Not Expected to Be Season-Ending

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed third baseman Max Muncy on the injured list with an oblique strain, according to ESPN's Alden González.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts doesn't expect Muncy's injury to keep him out for the rest of the 2025 season, though.

“I don’t think anybody expects it to be season-ending, but hopefully it’s sooner rather than later," Roberts said, per González.

Muncy was a late scratch from the Dodgers' 6-5 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday after dealing with soreness in his right side during batting practice.

It's a tough blow for Muncy, as he had only appeared in eight games since returning from a left knee injury that forced him to miss just over a month.

He's played in just 89 of the Dodgers' 121 games this year, but the two-time All-Star has still showcased his power at the plate when healthy.

Muncy has racked up 17 home runs, 10 doubles, 60 walks and 64 RBI while posting a .258/.389/.491 slash line.

He was also hampered by injuries throughout his 2024 campaign, appearing in just 73 games as he missed several months due to a prior oblique strain.

The Dodgers will need to overcome Muncy's latest absence as their streak of three consecutive National League West titles is in jeopardy, currently sitting one game behind the San Diego Padres for the top spot in the division with a 68-53 record.

Until Muncy is able to return, Alex Freeland will replace him at third base while Miguel Rojas will move to second.

Freeland has just 12 games of MLB experience under his belt after he was called up on July 29, recording six hits in 34 at-bats.