Dodgers All-Star third baseman Max Muncy was forced to leave Wednesday’s Cactus League game early after getting hit by a pitch on the hand.
Muncy was hit on the left hand in the first inning of the game, and was able to stay in to run the bases and play defense. However, when his spot in the lineup came back up in the fourth, he was removed from the game.
On Thursday, Muncy went for X-rays, which came back negative. The Dodgers said he had a left hand contusion, and on Friday, Muncy was back on the field taking batting practice and working out.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he expects Muncy to return to the lineup on Saturday in one of the Dodgers’ split-squad games.
This is a great sign for Muncy, as the Dodgers didn’t want to see their starting third baseman miss any time, especially with their shortened spring.
The Dodgers leave for Korea in less than two weeks, and their first game of the season is in less than three weeks on March 20.
Muncy appears to have avoided any serious injury, so he’ll be able to get back on track with plenty of time before Opening Day.
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