Tue Sep 16 03:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Dodgers’ Muncy Dodges Major Injury Scare After Hit-by-Pitch, Expected Back Soon**

**LOS ANGELES –** Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy narrowly avoided a significant injury Friday night after being struck on the wrist by a pitch during the eighth inning of the series opener against the San Francisco Giants.

Muncy, a key component of the Dodgers’ lineup since 2018 and a two-time World Series champion (2020, 2024), was hit by a fastball from Giants pitcher Joey Lucchesi. He was promptly attended to by trainers and manager Dave Roberts, and initially remained in the game. However, he was replaced by Miguel Rojas in the bottom of the inning.

Manager Roberts announced after the game that X-rays came back negative, and that Muncy is expected to return to the lineup for Saturday’s game.

The injury scare comes at a critical time for both Muncy and the Dodgers. The veteran infielder has been plagued by injuries this season, limiting him to just 91 games. Friday’s appearance was only his third since returning from a month-long stint on the injured list with a strained right oblique. He has also missed time this year with a left knee bone bruise.

Despite the injury interruptions, Muncy has been productive when healthy, batting .252 with a .383 on-base percentage, an .862 OPS, 17 home runs, and 64 RBIs through 91 games this season.

With the Dodgers locked in a tight race for first place in the NL West with the San Diego Padres just two games behind, Muncy’s presence in the lineup is vital as the team heads into the final stretch of the regular season and prepares for a potential postseason run.

**[Original reporting by Athlon Sports]**

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