The Los Angeles Dodgers have made significant adjustments to their lineup just two hours before their game against the Washington Nationals, as both Max Muncy and Dalton Rushing have been scratched due to injury concerns. This decision comes at a critical point in the season as the Dodgers aim to solidify their playoff positioning.
Initially, Alex Call was set to step in for Rushing as the designated hitter, but shortly thereafter, he and left fielder Teoscar Hernández exchanged positions in the lineup. Additionally, Kiké Hernández will take over at third base in place of Muncy. This reshuffling reflects the team's need to adapt quickly amid injury challenges.
Although the Dodgers have not provided a specific reason for the last-minute changes, reports indicate that Rushing was removed after experiencing discomfort during pregame warm-ups. This is not the first time Rushing has faced injury issues; he was previously scratched on August 2 due to what the team described as "irritation." Subsequent MRI results revealed a partially torn UCL in his right elbow. Rushing made a surprising return last week without a rehab assignment, but his availability has been limited to pinch-hitting, where he has struggled, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in four games since his comeback.
Max Muncy, meanwhile, has had a relatively healthy season, marking a departure from his injury-plagued past. He has been a key contributor for the Dodgers, boasting an impressive .826 OPS and hitting 26 home runs in 130 games, which is the most games he has played in a season since 2023. Muncy also earned a spot on the National League All-Star team this summer and broke the record for the most home runs at Dodger Stadium. However, his recent performance has dipped significantly, as he has managed only one hit in his last 22 at-bats over the past eight games, mirroring a broader slump affecting the Dodgers' offense.
In addition to the injuries to Muncy and Rushing, the team is also monitoring the status of Shohei Ohtani. Manager Dave Roberts mentioned that Ohtani was scheduled to hit in the batting cage on Saturday for the first time in several days. Roberts plans to discuss Ohtani's condition with him on Sunday, which will help determine whether the star player will require a stint on the injured list.
With these lineup changes, the Dodgers will face the Nationals with a new batting order. The updated lineup features Tommy Edman in center field, Freddie Freeman at first base, and Mookie Betts at shortstop, among others. Tyler Glasnow is set to take the mound for the Dodgers, as they look to maintain their momentum in the final stretch of the season.
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