Dodgers have new injury worries with Max Muncy, Dalton Rushing scratched from lineup

Shohei Ohtani is no longer the Dodgers’ only pressing injury concern.

Shortly before first pitch on Saturday, the team scratched both Max Muncy and Dalton Rushing (who was set to serve as designated hitter in Ohtani’s absence) from its starting lineup, raising new potential red flags in the final month of the regular season.

It was not immediately clear what each player was dealing with, nor how severe their injuries were.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Max Muncy walks into the dugout during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in Los Angeles. Wally Skalij for CA Post

Rushing has been playing through a slightly torn elbow ligament that has limited him to hitting-only duties since he returned from the injured list at the start of this week.

For Saturday’s game, Kiké Hernández was drawn in at third base to replace Muncy, while Alex Call was slotted into the DH spot for Rushing.

Longer-term, though, any extended absence from either Muncy or Rushing would force the Dodgers into a roster scramble to compensate.

Rushing originally hurt his elbow a month ago, getting diagnosed with a slightly torn UCL in his throwing arm after feeling pain while warming up for an Aug. 2 game.

His injury was already likely to prevent him from catching again this year. However, the Dodgers were able to bring him back this week as a left-handed bat off the bench — and, with Ohtani currently out while battling left knee and right biceps injuries, an alternative at DH when needed.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Dalton Rushing (68) rounds third base to score a run against the San Diego Padres in the fifth inning of a baseball game on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Los Angeles. Wally Skalij for CA Post

Muncy’s scratch came much more out of the blue, marking the first physical concern of what has been an injury-free year for the 36-year-old.

The slugger has been struggling lately, mired in a 1-for-22 slump over his last eight games. On the season, though, he has been one of the Dodgers’ most consistent hitters, batting .245 with 26 home runs, 68 RBIs and a .826 OPS.