A major update is in regarding the status of Max Muncy’s knee injury—an incident that occurred during the Dodgers’ July 2 game against the Chicago White Sox. Muncy, the Dodgers’ veteran third baseman, collided with White Sox center fielder Michael A. Taylor during a stolen-base attempt at third base. The collision caused Muncy’s left knee to twist awkwardly under Taylor’s helmet, prompting a painful exit from the game and sending immediate concern throughout the Dodger Stadium crowd and broadcast booth .
Following the incident, Muncy was taken for an MRI, and today the Dodgers shared that he’s dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee. The silver lining: there’s no structural damage—no torn ligaments, no fractures. That is exceptionally good news for both Muncy and the organization . However, the optimism is tempered by the projected recovery time: he’s expected to miss approximately six weeks, and has already been placed on the 10-day injured list .
Muncy himself reflected on the diagnosis: “Nothing was torn, nothing was ripped—it was a huge sigh of relief.” Still, he conceded, “it still sounds like too long of a time in my head” . Manager Dave Roberts echoed the sentiment, confirming that testers were “encouraging,” but nonetheless a bone bruise requires time to heal fully .
His exit from the game had immediate ripple effects: moments after he left, Clayton Kershaw recorded his 3,000th career strikeout, a milestone moment that unfortunately occurred without Muncy present on the field . Muncy later mentioned his disappointment at missing the historic moment, noting he was “kind of like, ‘Man, missed it.’ The most heartbreaking thing to me” (.
Before the injury, Muncy was a consistent presence in the Dodgers’ lineup: he was batting .250 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs over 81 games this season. His performance, especially his left-handed power and ability to get on base, has been a big part of the Dodgers’ offensive engine as they lead the NL West .
Now, with Muncy sidelined, Los Angeles will look to fill the void at third base and in the middle of their batting order. Initial replacements include veteran Miguel Rojas and utility man Enrique Hernández. The Dodgers also recalled outfielder Esteury Ruiz from Triple-A Oklahoma City to add depth to the bench Ruiz, 26, brings speed—he led the American League in stolen bases as a rookie—and solid minor-league batting numbers (.292 with eight homers and 38 steals) .
While Ruiz and others will provide some relief, it’s unlikely they replicate Muncy’s familiar power-hitting profile. Muncy has been cooling toward a .250/.375/.457 slash line with a 134 wRC+, significantly bolstered by a torrid June in which he hit .333 with a 1.113 OPS and seven home runs . His consistent bat has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ success.
For the rest of the season, expect the Dodgers to utilize a rotating cast at third base—Rojas, Hernández, perhaps others from within the organization—while Ruiz plugs other holes on the bench. Manager Roberts emphasized that despite the idle of injures, the front office continues evaluating all options ahead of the trade deadline, suggesting they remain open to moves to bolster both offense and infield depth .
Timeline-wise, the six-week estimate places Muncy’s return around mid-to-late August, provided his recovery goes smoothly. That window is significant: it could mark his return just in time for the stretch drive and postseason push. MLB Trade Rumors echoed this projection, citing the recent bone bruise policy and suggesting a mid-August to late-August return frame .
Injuries of this type—bone bruises—are tricky. They don’t heal overnight. They require rest, controlled rehab, and a gradual return to full activity. While there’s no structural damage, Muncy won’t be cleared to return until the swelling subsides and X-rays (or potentially follow-up MRIs) indicate sufficient recovery. Every athlete heals differently, but the Dodgers will surely progress him through a strict protocol involving rest, physical therapy, and simulated gameplay before considering him for big-league reactivation.
This injury adds to a season already peppered with setbacks for the Dodgers. Earlier in July, right-hander Michael Kopech was placed on the 15-day IL with right knee inflammation. To give Muncy room, the team recalled reliever Will Klein from Triple-A Oklahoma City on July 1, then followed it by recalling Ruiz when Muncy was placed on the IL July 3. They also claimed infielder CJ Alexander off waivers and designated Steward Berroa for assignment to shuffle the roster . These moves demonstrate a front office rapidly adjusting its bench and bullpen depth to manage health and workload challenges as they hunt a postseason berth.
The bigger picture: the Dodgers, holding a strong 55‑32 record and leading the NL West by 8.5 games, are well positioned even as they absorb Muncy’s absence . Their offense remains among MLB’s best, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and others. That said, depth is key come late August and September, and losing a middle-of-the-order bat like Muncy could create issues in longer series or if other players hit slumps or encounter injuries.
Muncy’s personal journey adds emotional weight to this news. Last year, he endured a prolonged, riddled recovery from a displaced rib and oblique injury, leading him to say there were moments he wondered if his body was telling him to quit That adversity helped reshape his perspective, imbuing him with gratitude and resilience heading into 2025 . Now, facing another setback at age 34, he’ll again lean on that mental toughness.
Coach Dave Roberts touched on Muncy’s mindset: he’s reportedly in good spirits, understands the rehab process, and is already preparing mentally for his return. Speaking alongside Muncy in a team interview today, Roberts noted, “he crossed a hurdle” and is now in swing-based rehab, with no firm timetable issued but optimism in the Dodger clubhouse is high
When he returns, Muncy is poised to resume his role as a key middle-of-the-order contributor. His career numbers for the Dodgers—batting average around .250, on-base percentage in the .350s to .370s, and steady power production—make him indispensable, especially in late-season matchups and high-pressure playoff situations. He’s currently tied for seventh in franchise history with 203 home runs, poised to climb further this year
Next steps for Muncy:
Immediate rest and recovery — easing inflammation and allowing the bone bruise to heal.Physical therapy — rebuilding strength, mobility, and stability in the knee.Rehab progression — simulated infield drills, batting practice, controlled base running.Minor-league assignment — likely a rehab stint to ensure game readiness.Major League return — potentially in mid-August, pending recovery and team needs.
For now, Dodgers fans will have to ride out six weeks without their slugging third baseman. But there’s significant hope in that MRI—no structural damage is a strong blessing. And if the rehabilitation proceeds without setbacks, Muncy could return ready to help push for another postseason run.
With Muncy sidelined, keep an eye on how the Dodgers shuffle their lineup and infield defense. Younger players, utility men, and possible mid-season acquisitions or internal promotions could fill the temporary void. But make no mistake: his return will be eagerly anticipated—not just for power and production but for leadership and veteran presence in a championship-contending clubhouse.
In summary: Max Muncy suffered a bone bruise to his left knee on July 2, will miss roughly six weeks, but amazingly avoided structural damage. The Dodgers—while strong overall—will adjust their roster and strategy in his absence. His return around mid-to-late August could provide a welcome boost during the heat of the playoff chase.
