Muncy (hand) is starting at third base and batting fourth for the Dodgers' spring training game against the Cubs on Saturday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Muncy had been held out for the past couple of games after getting hit in the hand by a pitch during Wednesday's contest against Texas. He resumed swinging a bat Friday and was never expected to miss much time. Muncy tied a career high with 36 homers last season and has already hit one out in six at-bats this spring.

Muncy (hand) took batting practice Friday and is scheduled to return to Cactus League action Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Friday marks the first time Muncy has swung a bat since he was struck in the left hand by a pitch during Wednesday's exhibition game against the Rangers. The Dodgers never seemed too concerned about Muncy's availability for the regular season, and it appears he will return to the playing field after just three days of rest. The 33-year-old has logged three hits in six at-bats so far this spring, including a home run.

X-rays on Muncy's left hand came back negative Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Muncy was hit in the hand by a pitch during Wednesday's Cactus League game against Texas, but he appears to have escaped with only a bruise. Muncy said the swelling on his hand has already gone down, but he has yet to swing a bat again. It may be a few days before the 33-year-old plays in another spring game, but he shouldn't be at risk of missing Opening Day.

Muncy was diagnosed with a bruise on his left hand Wednesday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 33-year-old was struck on the left hand by a pitch during Wednesday's Cactus League game versus the Rangers, but it appears he's avoided a serious injury. Muncy is scheduled to undergo an X-ray on Thursday, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, which should provide additional clarity.

Muncy will undergo X-rays on his left hand after being hit by a pitch in Wednesday's Cactus League game versus the Rangers, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Muncy was struck by a Cody Bradford offering in the first inning. He initially stayed in the game and played a few frames on defense before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the fourth. The Dodgers should have an update on the third baseman's status later Wednesday or Thursday.

Muncy worked on improving his physical conditioning in the offseason, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vassegh notes that both Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes have credited Muncy for improving his conditioning over the winter. The offseason conditioning may have been toward the purpose of staying healthier, as Muncy has landed on the injured list at some point each of the past three seasons, with a troublesome hamstring being the culprit last year. Los Angeles signed Muncy to a two-year extension in November, and he's set to be the team's everyday third baseman in 2024.

Muncy signed a two-year, $24 million contract extension with the Dodgers on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Muncy already had a $14 million club option for the 2024 season, but the Dodgers will instead give him a new deal that keeps the 33-year-old slugger in Los Angeles through 2025 with a $10 million club option for 2026. Muncy slashed .212/.333/.475 across 482 plate appearances in 2023 while recording personal bests in home runs (36) and RBI (105).

Muncy isn't in the Dodgers' lineup Friday against the Giants, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

He'll get a day off after batting .240 (6-for-25) with zero extra-base hits, three RBI and four runs scored over his last six games. Enrique Hernandez will replace Muncy at the hot corner and bat seventh.

Muncy is absent from the lineup Friday against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Enrique Hernandez will start at third base and bat seventh as the Dodgers take on left-hander Sean Manaea. Muncy carries a .650 OPS in 166 plate appearances this year versus lefties, compared to a stellar .903 OPS in 375 plate appearances versus righties.

Muncy went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Muncy's blast got the Dodgers on the board in the sixth inning against Tigers starter Reese Olson. It also extended Muncy's hitting streak to 11 games, though he's gone 13-for-43 (.302) with just two multi-hit efforts in that span. The infielder matched his career high with his 36th homer of the season, and he's got a decent chance to set a new personal best with 11 contests left on the schedule. He's added a .213/.335/.496 slash line with 102 RBI, 89 runs scored, a stolen base, 16 doubles and a triple through 126 games this season.