UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy has been scratched from the lineup just moments before the game against the Los Angeles Angels due to soreness in his right side. This urgent development comes during pregame batting practice on August 16, 2023.
Originally, Mookie Betts was set for a rest day, but now he is back in the lineup for the finale of this three-game series at Angel Stadium. Rookie infielder Alex Freeland will shift to third base to fill in for Muncy. The Dodgers are optimistic that Muncy will recover quickly, especially with a traditional off-day following this game.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers are gearing up for a highly anticipated weekend series against the San Diego Padres, which starts on Friday. The team hopes Muncy will be ready to rejoin the lineup by then, adding urgency to this injury situation.
In another critical update, Brock Stewart, a right-handed reliever, has been placed on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that follow-up tests revealed no structural damage, describing the results as a “best-case scenario.” However, he cautioned that Stewart’s recovery will take a few weeks, further complicating an already thin bullpen.
“It’s gonna be a few weeks before he returns,” Roberts stated, highlighting the challenges the team is currently facing.
The Dodgers are already managing without several key high-leverage pitchers, including Kirby Yates, Tanner Scott, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol, all on the injured list. Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope as three of these pitchers are nearing a return. Yates threw to hitters on Wednesday, while Kopech is set to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday. Scott is expected to participate in a simulated game over the weekend.
As for Stewart, he will be shut down from throwing for a week but the organization is hopeful for his return in early September. However, Roberts has indicated a “small, small chance” that Graterol will be able to contribute this season following offseason shoulder surgery.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the Dodgers navigate these injuries, especially with the critical series against the Padres looming. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
