Max Muncy thought his season was over after Chicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor collided into him while attempting to steal third base.
“As I was laying there on the ground that night, I thought for sure, ‘This is it,’” Muncy said. “At that time, obviously, you have a million things that start going through your mind (and) they’re all the worst. It’s hard to stay positive in a moment like that.”
While Muncy was laying on the floor, the Los Angeles Dodgers also feared the two-time National League All-Star third baseman was out for the season.
But MRI results found no structural damage to Muncy’s knee and determined he would miss six weeks of the season to recover from a bone bruise.
Muncy not only beat the odds and returned after the gruesome collision, but he also returned nearly a week-and-half earlier than the Dodgers anticipated.
“Just trying to be thankful and blessed to be able to get back on the baseball field this year,” Muncy said. “I’m going to try to enjoy every second of it, knowing how close it was to not being there for me.”
Los Angeles reactivated Muncy ahead of Monday’s home series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he walked and struck out once in three at-bats.
Muncy then announced his return in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, going 4-for-5 with two home runs and four runs batted in.
As Muncy came off the injured list, the Dodgers placed Tommy Edman on the IL with a sprained ankle. Edman has been dealing with a lingering ankle injury but exited Monday’s game in pain after running to first base.
