Max Muncy Returns to Athletics from Injured List The Oakland Athletics have welcomed back slugger Max Muncy from the 10-day injured list ahead of their series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers at Las Vegas Ballpark. The move aims to bolster the team’s offense, which has struggled to meet preseason expectations. Muncy, who was sidelined since April 28 with a fractured left hand, was reinstated to the active roster on Monday, with infielder Darell Hernaiz optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room. Muncy’s return marks a significant step for the A’s, who have relied heavily on his power-hitting abilities to elevate their offensive output. During his rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas, Muncy demonstrated strong form, batting .370 (10-for-27) with three home runs, two doubles, and nine RBIs in seven games. His performance convinced manager Mark Kotsay that the timing was right to bring him back to the majors. “Max had a pretty good rehab stint,” Kotsay said. “We felt the timing was right. He’s healthy and seems to be having consistent at-bats. His rhythm and timing is there.” The manager emphasized that Muncy’s return could address the team’s current offensive struggles, as the A’s have scored just 273 runs through the season’s early stages, ranking 20th in Major League Baseball. Kotsay highlighted the need for improvement, noting that the team’s offensive production has fallen short of expectations. “As an offense, our expectation level is better than that,” he said. “We’re still searching for that success and that lineup that can produce those runs. I think Max will help with that. He helped with that before his injury with the slug that he can create, so we’re excited about having him back.” Muncy’s return to the lineup saw him start at third base on Monday, batting fifth in the order.#milwaukee_brewers #oakland_athletics #max_muncy #las_vegas_ballpark #mark_kotsay
Dodgers End Cubs' 10-Game Winning Streak with 12-4 Victory The Los Angeles Dodgers ended the Chicago Cubs’ 10-game winning streak with a 12-4 victory on Saturday night, overcoming a sluggish start to dominate the game and shift momentum in the three-game series. The win, which came at Dodger Stadium under overcast skies and a brief rain shower, highlighted the Dodgers’ offensive resurgence and marked a turning point in their recent struggles. The Cubs had entered the game with an MLB-best 10-game winning streak, but the Dodgers’ explosive performance in the fourth inning sealed their fate. The Cubs took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning against Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki. However, the Dodgers quickly responded in the bottom of the frame, with Shohei Ohtani leading off the inning with a walk. Two batters later, Max Muncy hit a game-tying home run, breaking a 0-for-12 slump for the Japanese star. The Dodgers continued to apply pressure, and by the end of the fourth inning, they had extended their lead to 8-3. The offensive explosion came in the bottom of the fourth, where the Dodgers unleashed a six-run inning that showcased their team-wide resurgence. Hyeseong Kim opened the rally with a one-out single, and the hits kept coming. Alex Freeland doubled to bring Kim home, while Ohtani walked and Freddie Freeman followed with an RBI single. Both Ohtani and Freeman scored on a base hit from Teoscar Hernández, who had been in a 0-for-13 slump. Dalton Rushing and Andy Pages added runs with doubles, capping the inning with 11 Dodgers hitters reaching base. Manager Dave Roberts praised the team’s ability to “stress” opposing pitchers, a hallmark of the Dodgers’ approach. “We all love home runs, but our club’s hallmark is stress and continuing to put pressure on the opposing pitchers,” Roberts said.#chicago_cubs #shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #roki_sasaki #max_muncy
