When will Bobby Miller and Max Muncy return?

featured-image

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to lead the National League West despite dealing with a plethora of injury concerns. Starting pitcher Bobby Miller and third baseman Max Muncy are among LA’s players who are currently on the injured list.

MLB.com reports that Muncy is expected to return around mid-to-late June. The third baseman is battling a right oblique strain, and Los Angeles is proceeding with caution.

Miller is on a similar injury timeline. The Dodgers are hoping he can rejoin the rotation in mid-June. Miller has been dealing with right shoulder inflammation and he already made a rehab start. However, pitchers often require multiple rehab starts before returning, so a two-week or so timeline makes sense.

Los Angeles is finding success despite the injuries. They are currently 35-22, which is the best record in the National League West. However, they have not endured much trouble in the division. The San Francisco Giants are 29-27 and San Diego Padres are 30-28, which places them both 5.5 games behind the Dodgers.

Los Angeles was expected to have the best record in the league, though. After all, they did sign superstar Shohei Ohtani this past offseason. The Philadelphia Phillies currently hold the best record with a mark of 38-18, though.

Nevertheless, the Dodgers are performing well and they will likely take a step forward when players such as Muncy and Miller return.

Bobby Miller, Max Muncy targeting June returns

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Bobby Miller (28) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Miller made his MLB debut in 2023 and pitched fairly well. He finished the season with a 3.76 ERA across 22 outings. Miller displayed electric strikeout stuff, recording 119 strikeouts in just 124.1 innings pitched.

2024 has been defined by inconsistency and an injury for Miller. He pitched to a 5.40 ERA across three starts before landing on the injured list. The Dodgers are hopeful that he can find his groove once he returns to the rotation.

Miller features one of the highest ceilings among any young pitcher in the sport. As long as he can remain healthy upon his return, Miller should bounce back for the Dodgers.

Muncy, a veteran, features no shortage of power from the left-side of the plate. He was struggling to begin the ’24 campaign, though. Muncy has slashed just .223/.323/.475/.798 in 40 games so far in 2024. He has displayed his power, though, hitting nine home runs during that span.

The two-time All-Star still has what it takes to positively impact the Dodgers. He is a great depth piece to have behind stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.

The Dodgers will unquestionably benefit from the returns of Miller and Muncy.

What’s next for Dodgers?

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) is greeted by third base coach Dino Ebel (91) after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium.© Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
The Dodgers will play the Mets on Wednesday in New York. They will then return home for a brief three-game homestand against the Colorado Rockies before heading out for a six-game road trip.

The Dodgers will begin the road trip in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. The final three games will draw plenty of attention as the New York Yankees will host the Dodgers. That certainly projects to be an exciting series.

For now, the Dodgers will place their focus on defeating the other team from New York on Wednesday.