Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers have dealt with recent injuries to Kiké Hernández and Teoscar Hernández on top of still being without other regulars, and now have some cause for concern with Max Muncy.
Muncy was removed from Thursday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after a head-on collision with Ildemaro Vargas at first base. The Dodgers have not yet announced the specific reason for Muncy’s early exit, though it’s plausible he’s being evaluated for a concussion, among other potential trouble.
Muncy was attempting to beat out a grounder hit back of first base, and came face-to-face with Vargas right at the bag.
Both players went sprawling to the ground and were checked on by respective team trainers. Muncy appeared to grab at his right wrist area, which remains sore after getting hit by a pitch on May 22. That kept him out of the Dodgers lineup for four games.
Muncy also had some blood on the middle of his forehead but was able to walk off the field under his own power. He briefly remained in the dugout before going into the clubhouse with Dodgers trainers.
Pavin Smith took over at first base for Vargas, and Santiago Espinal replaced Muncy. He went 1-for-2 with the infield single prior to being removed from the game.
What a possible Max Muncy injury means
If the Dodgers need to put Muncy on the injured list, it would likely create another opportunity for Hyeseong Kim to join the team. Kim was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on May 29 as one of the roster moves to the Dodgers re-signing Espinal.
Kim would be eligible to return this week due to replacing an injured player on the roster. Coincidentally, he started at third base for the Comets on Thursday night. It was Kim’s second time playing the position this season but his first start there.
Another option would be to end Tommy Edman’s rehab assignment early, though Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has maintained the plan is for that to take all 20 available days.
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