The Los Angeles Dodgers are reeling. In addition to going 12-21 in the last month, the Dodgers placed third baseman Max Muncy on the injured list with a strained oblique. They also claimed infielder Buddy Kennedy off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays to take Muncy’s place on the roster. To make room for Kennedy, Los Angeles has designated pitcher Julian Fernández for assignment.
Dodgers Place Max Muncy on Injured List with Oblique Strain
The Dodgers have claimed IF Buddy Kennedy from the Toronto Blue Jays and placed IF Max Muncy on the injured list with an oblique strain. In order to make room on the 40-man roster for Kennedy, the Dodgers designated RHP Julian Fernández for assignment.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 16, 2025
How Bad?
Muncy felt something while taking batting practice before Wednesday’s game in Anaheim and was held out of the lineup. Manager Dave Roberts said the injury is similar to the one Muncy experienced last year but “more mild.” The injury in 2024 sidelined him for three months. Roberts said they are hopeful that the grade one oblique strain is not season-ending, but the third baseman will miss more than 10 days.
The X-Factor
After donning glasses in the middle of June, Muncy has a .314 batting average overall, and a .348 clip since his first stint on the IL. This includes multiple games in which he hit multiple home runs. Consequently, this is not good news for Los Angeles. The offense took a nose dive when he missed a month with a knee injury. They were the lowest-scoring offense during that time, averaging under three and a half runs per game and going double-digit games under .500. Interestingly enough, Freddie Freeman was seen taking pre-game grounders at third base along with Kiké Hernández, who is rehabbing from an elbow injury.
The New Guy
For his part, Buddy Kennedy is a lifetime .198 hitter. Dave Roberts said, “…he is a good defender at third, better against left-handed pitching,” and “scrappy.” He was hitting .083 when the Blue Jays released him a few days ago.
Everybody is waiting for Los Angeles to find another gear. They need to do it soon, and they will have to do it without Max Muncy, or they could miss the postseason altogether.
Main Photo Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
