The Dodgers on Friday were busy before taking the field for Game 2 of their four-game set against the Reds. Part of their slew of roster moves that also saw outfielder Josh Outman sent to the minors was placing third baseman Max Muncy on the 10-day IL and bringing outfielder Jason Heyward back early from his rehab stint.
Muncy felt his oblique injury crop up Thursday during batting practice according to Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic. He wasn't in the lineup Thursday and after an MRI confirmed a mild oblique strain he was placed on the 10-day IL.
This season Muncy is hitting .223 with a .323 on-base percentage. He also slugged nine home runs in his first 40 games.
Heyward on Friday night was in right field after missing all but four games at the start of the season because of a back injury. Last season was something of a revival for the 34-year-old where he hit .269 with a .340 on-base percentage while clubbing 15 home runs. Those average and OBP numbers were his best since 2020, and the 15 homers were his most since he socked 21 in 2019.
Los Angeles' depth in the lineup was never really a question, but having players like Heyward back in the clubhouse with a player like Outman available in the minors helps them withstand the physical rigors of a 162-game slate.
If Heyward continues hitting like he did last season and if Outman can find his swing in AAA Oklahoma City, the Dodgers will be in great shape in the outfield down the stretch.
