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Dave Roberts Makes Max Muncy Announcement Amid Dodgers' Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 8:16 PM ET

After the Los Angeles Dodgers’ scorching hot 8-0 record to begin the season, they have come back down to earth and limped through much of April, going 8-10 in their last 18.

Pitching injuries have certainly played a factor, particularly with Blake Snell and Tony Gonsolin missing time. However, the Dodgers have also had poor production from the third base spot and everyday starter Max Muncy.

The 34-year-old and eight-year Los Angeles veteran has been dominant at times during his tenure, but is off to a dreadful start with a .171 batting average, a .510 OPS, and a 49 OPS+ with zero home runs and just four RBIs.

Muncy also has 10 walks to a staggering 32 strikeouts. He has struggled with discipline at times, but nothing to this extent.

Fortunately, manager Dave Roberts is not sounding any alarms, yet, with Muncy and still has faith in him. Here is what Roberts told reporters, via Dodger Blue:

Dave Roberts on his concern with Max Muncy: “It would be higher if he seemingly hasn’t done this every single year.”
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) April 26, 2025

From his debut Dodgers campaign in 2018 until 2023, Muncy had 162-game averages of 38 home runs, 102 RBIs, a .230 batting average, and a .842 OPS. Perhaps Muncy is merely facing the effects of Father Time, or is still dealing with lingering problems from an oblique injury that sidelined him for three months in 2024.

Regardless of the cause, Muncy needs to bust this slump to provide for the bottom third of the lineup. It is easy for him to slip through the cracks on this star-laden roster, and once he turns it around at the plate, this will be a formidable one through nine.

It is still early, but should Los Angeles’s lackluster play continue, Muncy’s performance will be monitored even more heavily by the fans.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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