As the Dodgers place Max Muncy on the IL, can Will Smith's hot bat lead them past the Astros in their July 4, 2025 showdown? Get the full game preview.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Happy Fourth of July, Dodger fans. The celebration at Chavez Ravine comes with a dose of tough news today, as the team officially placed Max Muncy on the 10-day injured list. The slugger's knee injury, suffered in a nasty collision against the White Sox, leaves a major hole in the lineup just as the Dodgers prepare for a holiday showdown against the rival Houston Astros.
Will Smith has been on another level, hitting a scorching .343 over his last 11 games.
It's the news no one wanted to hear. After being helped off the field during the series against the White Sox, Max Muncy is officially on the 10-day IL with a knee injury. His power and presence in the middle of the order are irreplaceable, and his absence will test the Dodgers' famed depth. The team will need to find a way to replicate his production as they navigate a crucial stretch of the season.
While losing Muncy stings, the Dodgers have a certified stud picking up the slack behind the plate. Catcher Will Smith has been on an absolute tear. He proved it again in the recent series against the White Sox, going 2-for-3 with a solo home run. Hitting .343 over his last 11 games, Smith isn't just a reliable backstop; he's one of the most dangerous hitters in the lineup right now, providing a much-needed offensive jolt.
There's no time to dwell on injuries, as the Houston Astros are in town for a Fourth of July clash at Dodger Stadium. This series is always circled on the calendar, and tonight's game promises a playoff atmosphere. With tickets starting at $90, the ballpark will be electric. The Dodgers need to set the tone early and show they can win big games, even without one of their key sluggers.
In a corresponding move that flew under the radar, the Dodgers designated Steward Berroa for assignment on July 3rd. Berroa, who hasn't appeared in a game for the big league club this season, was a casualty of the constant roster churn required to maintain flexibility. It's a small move, but a reminder that the front office is always working the margins to keep the team competitive.
Losing Max Muncy is a significant blow, there's no sugarcoating it. But this is what great teams do: they adapt. With Will Smith swinging a hot bat and a chance to make a statement against the Astros, this holiday weekend becomes a critical test of the Dodgers' resilience. It's time for the next man up to create some fireworks of their own.
