The Los Angeles Dodgers, who lead the National League West, are aiming to rekindle their offense during their ongoing home series against the St. Louis Cardinals. This renewed hope follows the return of Max Muncy, who missed nearly a month due to a knee injury, while the team faces a new setback with Tommy Edman sidelined for ankle issues.
Muncy, the Dodgers’ powerful third baseman, had been absent since July 3 because of a bone bruise in his left knee. His absence coincided with a difficult stretch for Los Angeles, as the team posted a 10-16 record and suffered a seven-game losing streak. Before the injury, Muncy was batting .345 over eight games with four home runs and eight RBIs, showing the kind of production the Dodgers sorely missed.
Muncy’s Return and Early Performance
Making his first appearance since the injury on Monday, Muncy went 0-for-3 with a walk in a narrow 3-2 loss to the Cardinals, a game in which the Dodgers managed only three hits. Despite the initial tough outing, Muncy expressed confidence about his recovery and performance prospects moving forward.
I feel like I’m in a great spot,
Muncy said upon his return.
In the box, things feel good. The first couple games on rehab assignment, there was a little thing in my swing that we were able to identify with the data, made the quick adjustment. After that, the next six, seven at-bats went really well. That to me told me that I was in a good spot.
—Max Muncy, Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman
Dodgers Adjust Roster as Edman Joins Injured List
Meanwhile, Tommy Edman was placed on the 10-day injured list due to recurring discomfort in his left ankle, marking the second time this season the infielder has been sidelined for this issue. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated the team would proceed cautiously with Edman’s recovery to prevent further setbacks.
Pitching Matchups Highlight Tuesday’s Game
On Tuesday, the Dodgers will send right-hander Emmet Sheehan to the mound for his first career start against the Cardinals. Sheehan has compiled a 2-2 record with a 3.60 ERA over six appearances, including four starts, since returning from Tommy John surgery.
St. Louis plans to counter with right-hander Miles Mikolas, who holds a 6-8 record and a 4.83 ERA this season. Mikolas has struggled in July, posting a 2-3 record with a 5.06 ERA across five starts and has been particularly challenged in matchups against the Dodgers, where he is 1-4 with a 5.50 ERA in nine appearances.
Cardinals Offense Shows Spark Against Dodgers’ Pitching
The Cardinals found success on Monday as pitcher Sonny Gray held the Dodgers to one hit in seven innings. Offensively, St. Louis was led by Masyn Winn and Ivan Herrera, who each hit home runs, and Yohel Pozo, whose ninth-inning single provided the go-ahead run in a 3-2 victory.
Winn has emerged as a key contributor for the Cardinals, leading the team with 26 hits in July and tallying eight home runs this season.
He’s an electric player, and he can beat you in a lot of different ways,
said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.
This is a guy who can hit for power and beat you, use the whole field and beat you, and beat you on the bases. And he can definitely beat you defensively.
—Oliver Marmol, St. Louis Cardinals manager
Challenges Facing the Cardinals Amid Road Trip
The Cardinals are currently 2-2 on their six-game road trip through Southern California. Their lineup has undergone changes following trades of veteran relievers Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton, and Steven Matz, while third baseman Nolan Arenado has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury since going on the 10-day injured list last Friday.
Nolan Gorman, recently recalled from Triple-A Memphis, has made contributions with a .273 batting average and two RBIs in three games, though he did not play in Monday’s contest.
Implications for Dodgers’ Offensive Resurgence
As Max Muncy returns to the Dodgers’ lineup, the team hopes his presence will help arrest the decline in offensive output witnessed during his absence. With Muncy showing signs of regaining his previous form and the Dodgers adjusting to injuries elsewhere, the club faces an important stretch to reestablish momentum and maintain their lead in the National League West.
Tuesday’s pitching matchup between Emmet Sheehan and Miles Mikolas will be critical for both teams, as St. Louis aims to continue its offensive resurgence and the Dodgers seek to capitalize on their returning power bat to improve their run production in this series. The outcome could significantly influence the trajectory of both clubs in the coming weeks.