While the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ offense has gone a bit cold in recent days, you just know they will find ways to score runs eventually.
They are one of the smartest and deepest organizations in MLB, and have an army of players ready to contribute at any time.
Just when they are struggling to produce some runs, they already welcomed back a crucial piece in their lineup: infielder Max Muncy.
Muncy was a part of the Dodgers’ lineup for Thursday afternoon’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
And Muncy returns to middle of #Dodgers lineup. pic.twitter.com/ukHRqfwfXy
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 9, 2022
He was penciled as the cleanup hitter right behind Trea Turner and before catcher Will Smith.
He Was Struggling, But Is Too Good Not To Bounce Back
Muncy wasn’t having the best season himself when he went down with some elbow inflammation a couple of weeks ago.
He was slashing just .150/.327/.263 with three home runs and 14 RBI through 41 games after getting hurt.
However, we know what he is capable of when fully healthy.
For example, he hit .249/.368/.527 last season, with 36 home runs, 95 runs, and 94 RBI.
He is a huge on-base asset with some serious power, so he would fit in almost every lineup.
Now that he is healthy, the Dodgers expect him to start producing the numbers he has posted in recent seasons.
They will need him at his best if they want to have a good chance at taking back their 2020 World Series title.
His lack of power so far has been a bit worrisome: in 168 plate appearances in 2022, he only has three home runs.
The deadened ball may have had something to do with that, but he needs to improve to retain his status as a starter in the deep Dodgers lineup.
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