Following Max Muncy’s dislocated elbow last October in the National League wild-card game after hitting a collision with Milwaukee Brewers’ Jace Peterson, Muncy had to be sidelined.
In a recent guest appearance on AM 570 LA Sports radio in Los Angeles with David Vassegh, the infielder admitted that he would be ready to play again on Dodger’s Opening Day on March 31. The date is still tentative because of the MLB lockout amid contract negotiations.
“I think even before the lockout it was looking like I’d be ready for Opening Day,” said Muncy.
Muncy ‘feeling strong’
The 31-year-old previously missed the entire postseason due to the injury. In the following November, Muncy and Dave Roberts, manager of LA Dodgers confirmed that it was a torn ulnar collateral ligament that didn’t require Tommy John surgery.
“It was a very scary moment,” Muncy said. “I definitely felt like my arm wasn’t there. Thankfully, things aren’t as bad as they could have been.”
“He’s really sore,” Roberts added. “Range of motion is not good, which is to be expected. It’s something that we feel with time and rehab, he’ll be fine and back to normal.”
Max Muncy leaves game with an apparent arm injury.
Positive vibes only for Max. #Dodgers
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) October 3, 2021
Thankfully, the two-time All-Star seems to be recovering pretty fine. In yesterday’s podcast talk with David Vassegh, Muncy noted that “It’s feeling good. it’s feeling strong. we’ve been swinging a bat lately — it’s progressing well.”
“I still think we’re on track for that now. It’s feeling strong and healthy. It’s a little stiff, but that’s to be expected. We’re working through it and it should be good to go,” Muncy added.
Muncy not only talked about his journey to full recovery, but he also noted that being in the lockout helped, although it was not without any cons.
“The lockout does help [with the healing time] but at the same time, it’s tricky because, yeah, I’m getting more time to get healthy but I’m also not being able to work with my guys on the staff — I can’t even talk to them really — I’d probably be getting better treatment if I was worked on by them, but that’s just the unfortunate circumstance.”
Muncy hit .249 last season and led the Dodgers with 36 home runs and 94 RBIs. He is known as the Dodger’s first baseman over the past few seasons. However, with the departure of Corey Seager to the Texas Rangers in free agency, the infielder is known to also be able to play second and third base.
With the two positions covered already, in the talk show, the 2020 World Champion Series also mentioned Atlanta Braves’ first baseman, Freddie Freeman, in hopes that Freeman can take the spot of the first base.
Welcoming Freeman
Freeman, a California native, won the National League MVP award in 2020 and the World Series with the Braves in 2021. A five-time All-Star, he hits a career of .295 with 271 home runs and 941 RBIs in 11-plus seasons and is available in the free agency.
Muncy spoke about his excitement and that he does not mind moving to second base as he always has enjoyed it.
“It makes me really excited. Yeah, maybe it’s not as much first base but that’s ok because I think I’ve said several times I enjoy playing second base more.”
If it means it could slide a spot for him to play together with Freeman, he would be happy to do so.
“I think it’s awesome, imagine how dangerous we’d be if we get him in that lineup,” Muncy said.