Dodgers: Max Muncy Heating Up After A Slow August Start
August has been a tale of two months for Dodgers All-Star first baseman Max Muncy. Prior to his four RBI outburst on Sunday against the Mets, Muncy was batting .200. He was also striking out at an uncharacteristically high rate.
It’s only been a few days, but Sunday could be the turning point for Muncy’s August.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqlfI7ACIU4?start=152
Muncy’s Early August Struggles
In his first ten games in August, Muncy slashed a troubling .200/.289/.350 with a Weighted On-Base Average (wOBA) of .276. He had one home run and only three RBI. Most shocking of all was his 4.4% walk rate which was lower than even Cody Bellinger’s (5.1%) during that time frame. He re-discovered his power stroke and impeccable hitter’s eye on Sunday in New York.
A Turning Point?
On Sunday Night Baseball against the Mets, Muncy crushed not one, but two dingers in the Dodgers 14-4 win. He had more RBI (four) in that game alone than his previous ten games in August (three…in case you forgot already). Add in his go-ahead solo shot on Monday night for three home runs in two games. With two walks and zero strikeouts to boot.
To steal a phrase from one of the greatest video games of all time, NBA Jam – “he’s heating up!”.
Final Thoughts
Ten games don’t spoil an otherwise superb season for Muncy. Two games don’t make or break a month. They do make for a reminder for what this offense can be with Muncy slugging.
He was a 2021 All-Star for a reason. He’s been one of the best hitters in the game this season. Through Monday, Muncy is fourth in the majors in OPS (.964) and third in walk-rate (15.9%). He, along with Chris Taylor and Justin Turner, has kept the offense afloat throughout the litany of injuries the Dodgers have endured. If he can finish the season strong, he will certainly earn some MVP votes.
Muncy may not have started August strong, but things are turning around for one of the Dodgers’ offensive cornerstones.
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