Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy left Thursday night's game in Phoenix after a violent collision at first base with Diamondbacks first baseman Ildemaro Vargas. Arizona won the game 3-2.
It happened in the fifth inning. Muncy hit a hard ground ball down the first base line. Vargas fielded it and both players converged on the bag at the same time. The collision was head-to-head. Both went down hard. Both eventually walked off the field under their own power, but neither returned to the game.
The Dodgers said Muncy left with shortness of breath and was checked for a concussion. On Friday morning, reports said Muncy passed concussion testing and has been diagnosed with a sore nose. He won't play Friday's game against the Angels.
Muncy has been having a strong 2026 season 254 average, 14 home runs, .860 OPS, and elite defense at third base, ranking in the 95th percentile in Outs Above Average. He was also dealing with a lingering wrist issue before this happened.
The Dodgers are already missing Kiké Hernandez (oblique) and Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring). Santiago Espinal replaced Muncy on Thursday and is the current backup plan at third.