After bursting onto the scene with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018, Max Muncy went into Spring Training this year with a roster spot secured. Given the signing of A.J. Pollock and plan to play Cody Bellinger in right field, the bulk of Muncy’s playing time is expected to come at first base.
Muncy admitted reporting for Spring Training without the uncertainty of whether or not he would make an Opening Day roster brought about a different feeling for him. However, the 28-year-old added he did not want to allow for that to alter his approach.
Muncy hasn’t quite found success over 12 Cactus League games thus far, going 7-for-29 (.172 batting average) with two doubles, four RBI, four walks and 10 strikeouts in 35 plate appearances.
He was due to be in Thursday’s afternoon lineup but was scratched due to wrist/forearm trouble, according to Pedro Moura of The Athletic:
Max Muncy has been scratched from the Dodgers’ lineup this afternoon. He is feeling some forearm irritation. Dave Roberts termed him day-to-day.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) March 14, 2019
The Dodgers don’t have another off day until finishing their exhibition schedule, which could lead to Muncy also being held out of action on Friday.
He led the Dodgers last season with 35 home runs and a .973 on-base plus slugging percentage. Manager Dave Roberts voiced confidence in Muncy being able to replicate and sustain some of that success in 2019.
