Dodgers: Max Muncy Owns Up After Costly Error, a Breakdown
The Dodgers lost an absolute heartbreaker on Sunday, following a critical two-run error leading to a Phillies walk-off in extra innings. The loss not only ended a seven-game win streak, but it brought some serious questions to the surface. What is wrong with Max Muncy and how much is going on in his head?
After the game, a visibly rattled Muncy was asked about the error as well as his state of mind in the midst of an abysmal start to the 2022 season.
Here’s the breakdown of the error and the moments that followed along with clubhouse footage with Max after the game.
Max Muncy Error Leads to Dodgers Walk-off Loss to Phillies, Muncy Emotional After Loss, Breakdown
Following Sunday’s loss, Muncy is slashing .156/.331/.279 with only 3 home runs and 13 runs batted in. His strikeout rate is climbing and his batted ball exit velocity is a Dodger career-worst 86.5 mph.
Max Muncy's team ranks since joining the Dodgers in 2018:
? HR: 121 (1st)
? RBI: 311 (1st)
? Runs: 328 (1st)
? wRC+: 135 (1st)
? fWAR: 14.8 (1st)Might be time to give him some time off to hit the reset button, but let's not forget how BIG Muncy has been for LA.
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) May 23, 2022
What should the Dodgers do with Max Muncy? Is his elbow a leading concern for his struggles at the plate? Feel free to sound off in the comments below!
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I have always been a huge Muncy fan, but my patience is being deeply tested. I was screaming at the TV with not only Muncy yesterday, but the whole lineup that continued to leave runners on base. Having no outs or 1 out and stranding runners on 3rd base drives me nuts. At this point in the season when looking at the NL West it appears to me that San Diego has a much better starting rotation and bullpen. They just finished a 7-2 road trip and finished it sweeping the Giants in SF this weekend. They will get Tatis back soon as well. If/When we get Kershaw and Heany back, maybe our pitching will improve significantly. But having Muncy striking out and hitting into double plays makes me cringe. Add in Bellinger’s pathetic batting average and Chris Taylor probably leading the leagues in strikeouts and our mighty offense has several holes in it. Thankfully Mookie seems to be getting his groove back, but Muncy, Bellinger, & Taylor need to wake up and stop being automatic outs or we will soon be looking up at the Padres in 1st place.
Perhaps falling behind the Padres will wake Dave up. Something has to change. Taylor needs to go back to his utility role. He is not an everyday player. Bring up Pillar and see what he can do in LF. Muncy needs to sit more and give Rios more ABs. Also bat 8th or 9th in the order. Unlike Muncy and Taylor, Bellinger seems to be making progress. Plus, his defense in CF gives him a longer leash.
The man owned it. So time to move on. Let’s root for his future success
Roberts and the coaching staff really have to find out if Muncy is playing hurt. When that is resolved they should know what to do with him. If he is kept in the lineup why don’t they order him to bunt and/or try to slap the ball down the left field line and beat the shift. This should cut down on the strikeout and weak ground balls to the right side. His past contributions to the team have been invaluable, but they must play those who can perform.
You have to stick with Mad Max, people need to get off his back. Let him work through it and get over his injury. He’ll be fine. Oh and leave Belli alone too. Max from 2018 to 2021 has had 35,35,12,36 and Belli 39hrs &rookie of the year and 47hrs and MVP that kind of talent doesn’t just go away. Doesn’t any one remember the shoulder surgery and the broken leg? That could take a minute to recover from. Especially with Robert’s treat him like he just doesn’t have it anymore. My opinion he came back before he was ready and his confidence took a hit with the demotion in the line up. Put him back in the 4 spot were he belongs and watch the beast in belli come alive.