Max Muncy has not appeared in a game for the Los Angeles Dodgers since May 15th. Two days later, he was placed on the Injured List with a strained oblique.
The timeline has been somewhat inconsistent throughout, as Muncy has endured various setbacks that could leave him out far longer than the 60-day timeline provided by his stay on the IL. The latest update offered continued pessimism regarding his return.
Muncy had begun hitting off a tee as recently as last week. However, continued discomfort required him to put a stop to that activity. Which means that, as of right now, Muncy is not participating in any baseball activity. Far from what you want as we zero in the time at which he'd be eligible to return from the IL.
This is the thing with an oblique injury, though. They are as difficult an injury to navigate in the sport given the motion required and its involvement in virtually every facet. That Muncy is struggling to gain traction in his recovery is disappointing, but hardly surprising.
As this continues, the Dodgers will have to prepare for continued life without Muncy for at least the next several weeks. They've deployed the likes of Kiké Hernández, Chris Taylor, and Cavan Biggio in his stead. Dave Roberts recently noted that Miguel Vargas could see a run at the position in the near future as well.
From a defensive perspective, the Dodgers have managed without Max Muncy just fine. He's been a below average defender for much of his career anyway. Offensively, though, the team could certainly use a boost from the corner opposite Freddie Freeman.
Of additional consideration, given the increasing uncertainty regarding his return, we can probably throw third base into the pile with prospective Dodger additions as the trade deadline nears later this month.