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LOS ANGELES – As expected, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Tuesday that All-Star first baseman Max Muncy will not be on the roster for Wednesday’s National League game against the Cardinals.
Roberts also added that Muncy won’t be available for the NL Division Series if the Dodgers get to that point. His availability for the NL Championship Series or the World Series also seems unlikely, but the Dodgers are not ready to rule out the possibility of a potential return for Muncy.
“I always try to keep a silver lining that he can join us later in the playoffs,” said Roberts. “I don’t know what that really means, but I do know he’s known to heal quickly, and he’s determined to try to come and help us in any way he can, so I don’t want to shut the door completely. . “
Muncy also said he would remain hopeful about a potential comeback. He received encouraging news after scans revealed he had not suffered a UCL tear in his left elbow and would not need surgery. Muncy dislocated his elbow on the play and suffered further damage. The first baseman, who was wearing a large arm brace, was unsure of what the next step was for a possible rehab assignment.
“For now, just let these guys focus on their game [Wednesday] and do whatever I can to help them, ”Muncy said Tuesday. “Cheer on these guys as hard as you can and try to enjoy this special ride. [Clayton Kershaw] said it the other day: we have a special team, a special group of guys, and I don’t want to take anything away from them.
While the Dodgers remain cautiously optimistic about Muncy’s return later in the playoffs, his injury makes progress after Wednesday’s home game much more difficult. Muncy has led the team with 36 home runs and has been hitting midrange all season. His defense at first base is also better than the other options.
The Dodgers could choose to pitch Cody Bellinger to first base and keep Chris Taylor or Gavin Lux in the middle of the field. Taylor would be the better option in defense, while Lux would give them another left-handed strike option. Starting Matt Beaty on first base and keeping Bellinger center could also be a possibility for the Dodgers, giving them two more left-handed hitters in the lineup.
It is also possible that Albert Pujols will start against his former team. Pujols is a much better hitter against left-handed pitchers, but he could be another option at first base. During Tuesday’s practice at Dodger Stadium, Beaty, Pujols and Bellinger all took goals on first base.
“We have a few options, but I’ll think about it for another 24 hours,” Roberts said. “If a guy starts a game he might not finish the game there, trying to keep some option with the roster, with the defense, all that.”
Roberts said the team’s final decision will take into account a player’s abilities at home and in defense. With Max Scherzer being a flyball pitcher, the Dodgers could benefit from keeping Bellinger, who is an elite outfielder, at center. Roberts also said he plans to pitch Lux, who doesn’t have a lot of outfield experience but has reached 0.360 since returning to the Majors on September 10.
Training day notes
• As for the active roster for Wednesday’s game, Roberts wanted to keep some things internally. He said, however, that Walker Buehler would not be on the team roster after throwing 79 shots on Sunday against the Brewers. Julio Urías, meanwhile, will be available outside the bullpen.
In case the Dodgers overtake the Cardinals, Roberts has virtually confirmed that Buehler will be the starter for Game 1 on Friday against the Giants in the NLDS. If Urías doesn’t pitch on Wednesday, he will start Game 2 on Saturday.
• Right-hangers Mitch White and Andre Jackson kicked off batting practice live at Mookie Betts, Justin Turner, Taylor, Bellinger and other hitters on the field. That makes White and Jackson unlikely options to be on the squad roster on Wednesday.
• While unlikely, Roberts also included Billy McKinney, who was ruled out with a left hip impingement, as a possible first base option on Wednesday.
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