Max Muncy Update Announced Before Removal From Dodgers Lineup

Sports admin September 16, 2026 0 Comments

Max Muncy Update Announced Before Removal From Dodgers Lineup

Max Muncy is out of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, and the move didn’t come as a surprise. Dave Roberts already said as much a day earlier.

The Dodgers manager told reporters Tuesday night that Muncy, infielder Alex Freeland, and outfielder Josue De Paula weren’t expected to start Wednesday, according to DodgerBlue on X.com.

The reasoning behind the move is that Andrew Abbott is scheduled to start for the Reds, a lefty with a 6-11 record and a 4.78 ERA this season. All three batters are left-handed hitters who have struggled against left-handed pitching.

We will probably have to remind everyone tomorrow, but Dave Roberts already said Max Muncy, Alex Freeland and Josue De Paula aren’t expected to be in the lineup.

— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) September 16, 2026

Muncy has hit .222 against left-handed pitching over his career, compared to .235 against right-handers. Ironically, this season, Muncy has hit better against pitching from the left side, batting .257 with six home runs and 15 RBIs versus .249 with 22 homers and 56 RBIs against the right side.

Those numbers have shaped how Roberts has deployed Muncy late in games and against certain matchups. The 36-year-old is in the middle of a bounce-back year that included his third career All-Star selection, his first since 2021.

The Dodgers enter Wednesday’s game with a 92-59 record and a 10-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League West, needing just one more win or a Padres loss to clinch the division. The Dodgers have already locked up a playoff berth for the 14th straight season, tying the major league record with the Atlanta Braves.

While the Dodgers will be without left-handed bats, Roberts will lean on left-hander Blake Snell on the mound, giving the Dodgers the best possible matchup to attack Abbott without their top left-handed bats.