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Muncy, Vargas Injured in Phoenix Collision; Arizona Wins 3-2

6/5/2026

39 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Muncy Collision

A June 4, 2026 collision in Phoenix forced Dodgers' Max Muncy and Diamondbacks' Ildemaro Vargas to leave as Vargas charged on a ball while pitcher Ryne Nelson was not covering first.
Muncy had shortness of breath and a concussion check while Vargas had bruised thigh, ribs, neck but X-rays.
Roberts said Muncy would miss Friday’s game while Lovullo said Vargas could be ready Friday.
Arizona won 3-2, splitting the series.

Summary

Nelson Accepts Blame

Pitcher Ryne Nelson said he failed to do his job in a big spot, taking full responsibility for the collision.
Manager Torey Lovullo said the team will tighten first-base coverage, noting Ildemaro Vargas is now playing first base daily and has posted a +5 Defensive Runs Saved rating this season.
After the incident, Max Muncy sent Vargas a gift, which Vargas thanked him for without revealing what it was.

Summary

Dodgers Injuries

The Dodgers placed Kiké Hernández on the injured list with a left oblique strain and Teoscar Hernández on the list with a hamstring strain.
Backup third baseman Santiago Espinal, cleared after a recent DFA, stepped in for Muncy.
Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland and Tommy Edman (on a Triple-A rehab assignment) are listed as infield options.
Muncy missed several games after a May 22 wrist contusion from a 95.5 mph pitch, returning on May 27.

History

Historical Context

After a 1975 ground-ball collision injured a pitcher, MLB instituted a rule requiring pitchers to cover first base, part of that season’s broader revisions such as permitting cowhide baseballs. Decades later, another missed coverage caused injuries, prompting managers to reinforce the same protocol across both the American and National Leagues.

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Muncy Collision

A June 4, 2026 collision in Phoenix forced Dodgers' Max Muncy and Diamondbacks' Ildemaro Vargas to leave as Vargas charged on a ball while pitcher Ryne Nelson was not covering first.
Muncy had shortness of breath and a concussion check while Vargas had bruised thigh, ribs, neck but X-rays.
Roberts said Muncy would miss Friday’s game while Lovullo said Vargas could be ready Friday.
Arizona won 3-2, splitting the series.

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