LOS ANGELES — Before Dodgers fans could celebrate their victory over the White Sox last week, bad news suddenly came. Third baseman Max Muncy has been officially diagnosed with a bone bruise in his right knee after a painful collision. What’s even scarier: Coach Dave Roberts said the injury could last into next season.
The incident happened in the sixth inning, when Muncy dove for a ball at third base and was suddenly hit by Michael A. Taylor of the White Sox. He collapsed on the field, holding his knee in pain. The entire Dodger Stadium was silent. “He couldn’t get up. We knew it was more than just a normal collision,” Coach Roberts said at a press conference.
Immediately after the game, Muncy was taken for an MRI. The result: bone bruise – an injury to the bone that is not broken but is painful, persistent and difficult to treat completely.
DAVE ROBERTS: “THIS INJURY WILL LINGER – IT WILL NOT GO AWAY EASILY”
Dave Roberts was not cryptic. He said clearly: “Max needs to rest for at least six weeks. But the reality is, this type of injury can follow him into next season. It does not go away quickly, even if you recover fully. The pain is still there when running, when swinging, when defending.”
According to DodgersNation’s sports expert, a bone bruise in the knee is “monstrous”. It does not require surgery, but it affects both running and feeling the ball, especially for players who have to constantly rotate the pivot like Muncy.
Max Muncy before the injury was the offensive soul of the Dodgers. In his first 81 games of the 2025 season, he hit:
13 Home Runs
55 RBIs
OPS: .832
Hit the game-winning run in 11 wins
With him gone, the Dodgers lose a great third baseman, a “hammer” in the hitting lineup, and a locker room leader.
The Dodgers have recalled Esteury Ruiz from AAA, but have also been forced to rotate between Miguel Rojas, Kiké Hernández, and sometimes Gavin Lux to fill the void left by Muncy.
Roberts insists there are no plans to sign a replacement, as they still have faith in Muncy: “He’s a warrior. If we make the playoffs — and I believe we will — Max Muncy will be back with us.”
Muncy’s contract has a $10 million option in 2026. But if the bone bruise doesn’t heal, the Dodgers will face a tough decision: Keep a “half-strength bat” at age 34, or bravely shake up the lineup?
On Instagram, Muncy posted a short status:
“Pain is temporary, pride is forever.”
The statement brought tears to the eyes of thousands of fans. For Muncy, playing football is more than just a job – it’s a mission. Despite battling pain every day, he remains a symbol of courage in LA.
The Dodgers will continue their postseason race, but they know: no championship would be complete without the image of Max Muncy – standing on third base, tossing his cap, even if it’s only on one foot.