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**Dodgers’ Muncy Relieved, But Out Six Weeks with Bone Bruise**

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy expressed a mix of relief and frustration Thursday after an MRI revealed he suffered a bone bruise in his left knee, rather than a more serious structural injury, following a collision Wednesday night. While avoiding a season-ending injury, Muncy is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks.

The injury occurred in the sixth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox when Muncy tagged out center fielder Michael A. Taylor, who was attempting to steal second base. Taylor was also injured on the play, suffering a bruised back, and sat out of the lineup Thursday night. He had cleared concussion protocol.

“It was obviously amazing hearing the news that nothing was torn, nothing was ripped,” Muncy said, acknowledging the potential for a much worse outcome. “That was obviously a huge sigh of relief for me, but it still sounds like too long of a time in my head.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed the sentiment, expressing relief at the test results and admitting he deliberately avoided watching replays of the collision.

Muncy’s injury briefly overshadowed Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw reaching his 3,000th career strikeout. Muncy lamented missing the moment while in the X-ray room. “I’m in the X-ray room and heard the crowd roar, and I was kind of like, ‘Man, missed it.’ Honestly, that was the most heartbreaking thing to me.”

In Muncy’s absence, Miguel Rojas started at third base in Thursday’s series finale, and Enrique Hernandez is slated to play third Friday against the Houston Astros. Utilityman Tommy Edman will also begin preparing to join the platoon at third.

The Dodgers recalled outfielder Esteury Ruiz from Triple-A Oklahoma City to bolster their roster. Ruiz, acquired in April from the Athletics, has been impressive in the minors, batting .292 with 8 home runs, 37 RBIs and 38 stolen bases in 66 games. He is expected to contribute this weekend.

Muncy has been a key contributor for the Dodgers this season, hitting .250 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs in 81 games. His absence will be a significant challenge for the team as they continue their push towards the playoffs.

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