Muncy to undergo MRI on knee after collision at third

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy exited Wednesday night's 5-4 win over the White Sox with left knee pain. Manager Dave Roberts said the team is hopeful that the injury is a sprain, and Muncy is set to undergo an MRI on Thursday.

"A lot of the tests that they did right now, we feel optimistic," Roberts said. "And I think that our hope is that it's a sprain. So obviously, for the next few days, I'm sure he'll probably be down, but again, the MRI tomorrow will show more."

Muncy went down on a play in the top of the sixth inning. White Sox center fielder Michael A. Taylor attempted to steal third base, but Will Smith made a successful throw over to Muncy for the second out of the frame. Muncy and Taylor collided when the Dodgers' third baseman applied the tag, and Muncy grabbed at his left knee after falling to the ground.

Muncy remained down for a couple minutes before being helped off the field by a Dodgers trainer. He was replaced at third base by Kiké Hernández, and Taylor later exited the game as well with a left trap contusion.

Roberts was unsure after Wednesday's game whether Muncy's injury might require a stint on the injured list, saying, "We'll just wait and see what the MRI shows."

After scuffling at the plate through the first month and change, Muncy emerged as one of the Dodgers' steadiest bats in May and June. Entering Wednesday, his 175 wRC+ since April 30 ranked fifth highest among qualified Major Leaguers.

Muncy's injury came just before Clayton Kershaw struck out the final hitter of the sixth inning, making him the 20th member of the elusive 3,000-strikeout club.

"We're all thinking about Munce right now," Kershaw said. "He's a huge part of our team, made a great play there. … We're all holding our breath that Munce is going to be OK. He's obviously a huge part of our team, and especially the last two months, he's been unbelievable."