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Dodgers Activate Muncy and Smith, Aim to Regain Offensive Edge
9 Sep
Summary
- Dodgers activate Max Muncy from injured list after 23-game absence
- Catcher Will Smith expected to return on Tuesday, could pinch-hit on Monday
- Dodgers hold 1-game lead over Padres in NL West with 3 weeks left
As the Los Angeles Dodgers look to solidify their position atop the NL West, they are receiving a significant boost to their lineup with the return of two key offensive contributors.
On Monday, the Dodgers activated first baseman Max Muncy from the injured list. Muncy, who has missed the team's past 23 games due to an oblique injury, will immediately slot back into the starting lineup, batting cleanup and playing third base. Prior to the injury, the 35-year-old Muncy was having a solid season, batting .259 with 17 home runs and 64 RBIs.
The Dodgers will also get catcher Will Smith back in the coming days. Smith, who has been sidelined with a bone bruise on his right hand, is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday and could even be available to pinch-hit in Monday's game. The 30-year-old Smith has been a crucial part of the Dodgers' offense, hitting .296 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs.
The timing of these returns could not be better for the Dodgers, who have lost 7 of their past 9 games and now hold a slim 1-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West. With just 3 weeks remaining in the regular season, the Dodgers will need their full complement of offensive weapons to fend off the surging Padres and secure their division title.
