Now that Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor are gone, Max Muncy has become many Dodger Fans’ Favorite Whipping Boy. He’s not hitting (well, not LHP anyway), and he has eight errors (count ’em… 8). A lynch mob is forming and they are intent on lynching Max Muncy.
There’s nothing wrong with Max that two or three big flies won’t cure. He is 6th on the team in OPS (qualified Players) at .653, and his OB% is .330. Since April 26th, Muncy has an .403 OBP, .492 SLG, .895 OPS, 152 wRC+, 18.2 BB%, and 16.9 K%. Max is not going away anytime soon… nor should he. There is a long runway for Max, but he should not start against LHP. Look at his splits:
Against RHP:
.248 BA; .373 OB%, .770 OPS
Against LHP:
.075 BA; .191 OB%; .291 OPS
Even Ray Charles can see that he should never bat against a LHP. He has evolved into Joc Pederson. Max is strictly a platoon player at this stage of his career. I know many fans hate platoons… they want to see the same starting lineup every night. That ship has sailed… actually, that ship sank. Max will be back… Kike should platoon at 3B with Max… Kike starts agianst LHP. Ideally, I’d like to see Will Smith take a few reps at third base, but I doubt that will happen this year.
Last night, my wife and I went to see Mission: Impossible- Final Reckoning… all two hours and forty-five minutes. It was fun. Our 17-year-old granddaughter works at AMC and gave us free tickets… all the better.
Max is who he is. And his track record says he will OPS over .800 with slug. I think the lack of slug is frustrating him as much as his defense. Conforto on the other hand, has hit in a lot of bad luck. He has scorched some balls right at someone. Freeman did that in the 9th inning last night. Schneemann was lucky it did not take his head off. But Conforto’s runway is getting short. It is almost June. By the 15th, they will need to figure something out. His defense is not great enough to carry a bat hitting under the Mendoza line.
Conforto only playing LF is a huge liability to his usefulness.
Most likely, but, he has only played 1 more game in left than in right in his career. He also has logged 130 games in center field. So, he has played other outfield spots in his career, but LA sees him as a leftfielder. If he was hitting like he has in his career, we would not even be having this conversation. He is a .247 career hitter with 162 bombs. He is off to a horrendous start. So, everyone is on the dump Conforto train. He made one helluva catch against the wall in foul territory last night. His leash is getting shorter, and if his slump continues much longer, the Dodgers will be forced to make changes. Same with Max.
Bear I think a better first sentence is “Muncy was what he was.” Father Time is a bitch
Well, he looked a lot like the old Max in the 9th inning with that much needed 3-run jack. Love it when players answer the fans criticism with a good game. Conforto got a little boost today too.
Just as I bitched about Conforto and Muncy, they both hit dingers.
Agree that with the increased spin, platoons are becoming the norm. Live the catching platoon the Dodgers have now. It also gives Smith more days off if Doc can keep from putting him in the lineup because him and Freddie are carrying the team.
May had a good night but needs a little Drysdale DNA
Big Don would have nailed Martinez after the 6th pitch.
Watched the Comets game last night. We have some see serious prospects on that team.
Love this blog!
If the choice is between Max and Conforto–and both hit bombs today–I’ll take Max all season long.
Next season too.
Yes, Max should be platooned. That has been true for a while, and Kike has picked up some starts, and Rojas available too.
A couple seasons back, Nick Senzel seemed to me to be like a good acquisition target expressly to partner with Max and also help in corner OF. His game has slipped some, and now he’s in OKC. If Senzel fixes things, an injury could make him a veteran option. (The Dodgers still love veterans.)
I’d need to see data to buy the notion that Conforto’s problem is a lack of luck. Seems to me Max has hit a lot of line drives that found gloves too. That’s baseball.
So was it just luck that enabled Conforto and Max to have good games today? I don’t think so.
Conforto raised his BA to .172 and his OPS to .599. He now has 7 RBI. Not a typo: Just seven.
Much-maligned Max raised his numbers to .212 and .682, with 24 RBI.
And let’s remember how Max fixed his terrible start with new prescription lenses.
As a big fan of the question, “What have you done for us lately?”, I’ll point out that over the past 30 days Max has hit to an .829 OPS with a .377 OBP and all 4 of his HRs on the season.
Over the same period, Conforto has hit to a .597 OPS with a .307 OBP and just one HR.
Despite today’s performance, Conforto has to be considered the weak link in the lineup. If he wasn’t being paid $17 million, maybe he’d be playing for the Angels now.
Maybe Conforto will improve; he can’t get much worse. Maybe he’ll even be a postseason hero! But I doubt it. I suspect even AF thinks he could have invested that $17 million more wisely.
Yet fans get frustrated with Max because of his errors and strikeouts. He’s the Rodney Dangerfield of this team, and it’s not fair.
He has been vital member of the Dodgers for years. He’s a team-first grinder who had succeeded at 1B and then moved to 2B and 3B as needed. In recent years Chris Taylor has earned a lot more $$ from the Dodgers for doing a lot less.
So Max can have the fat part of a platoon at 3B, partnering with Kike and Rojas and maybe even Senzel. Rojas could be a late-inning sub on defense.
If the Dodgers keep Max on next season, perhaps the team could start working Will Smith as his part-time platoon partner when Rushing starts.
As for this season, let’s see Rushing get some action in LF so both he and Smith can be in the same lineup.
Max sitting against lefties is a good place to start. Depending on the score some consideration should also be given to replacing him defensively late in the game.
Since the Dodgers opening 8 game win streak they are ranked 15th in win percentage. Saying they are still in first place doesn’t tell the whole story.
Why,; do those 8 games not count? Do games in May count more that those?
All games count, and certainly too early to project what’s happening in October. But I’d rather win the last 8 than the first eight in Apr going into the playoffs
In a pennant race, the games down the stretch do indeed matter a lot more than games in May.
They all count exactly the same….
i guess i’m guilty of wanting max to get less run at 3rd base. It’s easy for us fans to to criticize him for his lack of defense. of course we want and need him to play better. i cringe every time he makes the throw to first base! i fret every time he comes to bat with runners in scoring position! BUT, i really want him to succeed, i really do! we all know he is putting extreme pressure on himself. But at the end of the day, he has to produce. Maybe if Conforto continues to struggle, he gets replaced. Then drop Max down to the 8 hole where he has far less pressure. Just not the 9 spot in front of ohtani. … Speaking of replacing conforto, i saw somewhere someone suggested the dodgers might have interest in cedric mullens of the Orioles. That’s something to think about. Good outfielder with good wheels. … nice win last night! Vesia is not fooling any right handed hitters at this time. Very concerning. Garcia? whew! he’s hanging in there, but for how long? ..i believe Scott will be fine. But reinforcements can’t get here soon enough! …. Dustin May time today! hope he is on his game. .. What plans do they have for chris statton? Start or relieve? . maybe a few bullets left in the chamber? …. Excited for Clayton tomorrow!! i’m expecting him to pitch well! …. Still a little concerned over Gonsolin. …. Emmit coming to a ballpark soon! They need him!
The times they are a-changin’.
The hand writing on the wall is that Max Muncy’s time with the Dodgers grow shorter. I THINK he will survive the season but things can change depending who may become available via trade….and we know AF/BG are working the phones to see what can be had. Max knows that only too well. He’s seen Bellinger, Seager, Barnes and Taylor all leave. All stalwarts of the team that was.
Kinda makes me sad but it is the game. I will root hard for Max every at bat, every defensive play. The frustrating thing is there ARE times when he makes some very difficult plays and other times that should be much easier (to us, the know-nothing fans) that eat him up. He recovers and he rushes the throw only to have it be wild.
DODGER MINOR LEAGUE STANDINGS 5/27/25
Oklahoma City AAA 30-21 2nd place .5 games behind
Tulsa AA 19-26 5th place( last place) 5 games behind
Great Lakes A+ 23-22 4th place 7 games behind
Rancho Cucamongo A 30-15 1st place 9 games ahead
ACL Dodgers Rookie 10-7 3rd place 2.5 game behind
For more detailed recaps,stats,schedules, standings and box scores for Dodger minor league teams go to the top of this page and cIick on MINOR LEAGUE AFFLIATES.
Reinforcements on their way around the All Star Break:
SP Emmet Sheehan’s ptching line for the ACL Dodgers last night:
2IP 0H 0R 0BB 5K 29ptches 20 strikes
Just ACL, but those are excellent numbers.
He will be needed.
Because we are so deep in hitting, team had been patient with guys hoping they will turn it around. We stuck with Bellinger when for 2 years he was pretty much the worst hitter in baseball. Barnes and Taylor–their time was up. My guess is Max will stay till end of year, Conforto probably not.
And yes, before anyone else posts it.–I DON’T know more than AF
I am not as concerned about Max’ offense, which is improving, as I am with his defense, which is not. I posted this from The Athletic yesterday:
“The 34-year-old’s been worth minus-4 Outs Above Average this season, according to Statcast. Only the Mets’ Mark Vientos has been worse. Muncy ranks in the second percentile in range, according to the site. Muncy’s throwing has been responsible for all but one of his errors, creating a variety of things for the Dodgers to address defensively.”
The eyeball test and the numbers are the same in this case. Max plays a bad 3B right now. I am fine with platooning him with Kike at 3B given his platoon splits the last 3 years. But that doesn’t fix his defense.
Conforto has an OPS+ of 63 and has collected -.8bWAR. He has -.5 defensive WAR and -.4 offensive WAR according to BaseballReference.com. So he can’t hit or field.
The Dodgers are operating without an entire offense or defense. Teo muffed 2 or 3 more plays in RF yesterday. He is better in LF and Pages is better in RF. Pages has 1.0 defensive WAR but a majority of that is from when he played RF and Teo was out.
… and yet… the Dodgers are #2 in all of baseball in runs scored.
All teams have these issues.
You will never find perfection.
As much as anything, we need Mookie to hit!
Have to see how Mookie recovers this year. Starting the year down in weight not a good thing. Now as year grinds on, hard to get stronger. Maybe he can get some minor injury in August and rest for a couple of weeks.
But now no one panicking as rest of West Division doing about the same as us lately.
Mookie should improve. He’s had these mini-slumps in the past.
His numbers don’t look great now, but my impression is that he’s still been coming through in the clutch.
6:10 PM ET
Dodgers (33-21)
Guardians (29-24)
SP Dustin May R
2-4 4.09 ERA
SP Tanner Bibee R
4-4 3.57 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
RF T. Hernandez R
3B Max Muncy L
CF Andy Pages R
LF M. Conforto L
C D. Rushing L
2B Tommy Edman S
69° Wind 11 mph R-L
… and yet… the Dodgers are #2 in all of baseball in runs scored.
All teams have these issues.
You will never find perfection.
As much as anything, we need Mookie to hit!
MAY DAY!
I’d like to see this lineup against LHP:
1. Ohtani DH
2. Betts SS
3. Freeman 1B
4. Hernandez RF
5. Smith C
6. Pages LF
7. Edman CF
8. Hernandez 3B
9. Rojas 2B
I really dont understand why Kim is on the roster.
Id rather see him play every day in OKC and come back up later in the year.
Here’s why:
This is the lineup against RHP, and 70% of MLB pitchers are RH:
1. Ohtani DH
2. Betts SS
3. Freeman 1B
4. Teoscar RF
5. Muncy 3B
6. Edman/Pages CF
7. Conforto LF
8. Rushing C
9 Kim 2B
Kim is hitting .366, with a .858 OPS. And he can win games with his legs and glove.
I’d rather see Kim get more ABs in the majors than OKC.
Just checked the stats.
Very surprised to see that Kim has apparently had zero ABs against lefties and 43 plate appearances against righties. That’s nuts. I know Roberts likes “optionality,” but how can Jim improve if he doesn’t get the chance?
I’d rather see Kim at 2B than Rojas whether the pitcher is a righty or lefty. The young guy needs the opportunity.
Our bench used to be all RH… It no longer is.
I’ve come to the conclusion that a quality start can only occur if you are a quality pitcher. 6 innings or more with 3 earned runs or less. That’s a damn fine pitching line! If you can string a bunch of those together, you are elite. The complete game shutout or no hitter is just about extinct. What do starters strive for then? The quality start. We have 2 in a row and Dustin, Clayton and Tony are easily capable if they are on. Come on Dustin. 6 innings, 2 runs is not too much to ask. The bullpen would be much obliged.
Max is not going anywhere. But next year….hmm. Andrew would love to get that
kid 3rd baseman from Japan.
Book em
Old friend Jack Flahery just had another quality start for the Tigers, outpitchin Giants’ ace Logan Webb.
Thanks Jack!
The Tigers are playing great. Can’t help but root for them and ex-Dodgers Flaherty, Trey Sweeney and Zach McKinstry….
I’m largely pleased with Dustin May’s work. He’s a bit frustrating because his stuff is so good–but he’s clearly been better than peers Gonsolin and Miller, and he’s been on the mound while others are injured. Yamamoto is our ace, with 64 innings pitched, and May is second at 55. He’s on a pace for 150 IP!
I believe our best long term solution has Will Smith at third against left handers and Max against right handers. I think that is what Mark was suggesting also. Saves Will from late season deterioration. Rushing catches against left handers and plays in the outfield against against right handers. I will notify AF of this brilliant solution.
Will Smith to 3rd!
Again.
Sigh.
Conforto singles to left. HMMM maybe this is something positive
max? Conforto? same game?? yes!!!!
Max hustle, t car not so much, but….Rushing shaved his stash, good move, Garcia a keeper?
Something in the water
Let’s be honest. We all said they would come around eventually
But so far Taylor 0-6 with 4 Ks. Yesterday 0-2 with RISP
Mookie Betts current NL Defensive SS rankings
4 defensive runs saved (2nd)
4 saved runs above average (T-2nd)
3 outs above average (T-3rd)
3 Fielding Run Value (T-3rd)
can’t root for the tigers. maybe if hinch wasn’t there! …. Casparius is quickly becoming a stud! The only question is what to do with him! Starter. closer. long relief. the guy is filthy ! And there’s Dryer! the left side stud! 2 rookies leading the bullpen effort! When the other guys start getting healthy, there will be some major decisions to be made! Banda? Even Vesia could be a little nervous. …. Sure looks like Dustin is getting close to being 100 %! 9 k’s , but only 5 innings. just a little more efficient and he’s back! …. Clayton may be bitten by the weather again today. …. i think it’s time to leave Max alone! i’m just as guilty as anyone. He’s never going to hit .270-280. he’s never gonna win a gold glove. But he’s a dodger and that’s all that matters right now. That bomb last night was a “shut up “ shot from Max! message received! .. Conforto? Could he be close? wouldn’t that be great? Time will tell. But time is ticking! … finish the sweep today! The hated yankees are coming! They are hot and ready!