By Nexvoro Tech Wire
PUBLISHED THU, SEP 10, 2026 5:21 AM UTC • 6 MIN READ
Primary Journalistic Dispatch & Direct Reporting
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a late lineup change ahead of their game against the Washington Nationals . Max Muncy has been scratched from the lineup and replaced by Kike Hernandez.
UPDATED #Dodgers starting lineup tonight vs. Nationals: https://t.co/btpMEUMQwd pic.twitter.com/BgXFy9zLD4
- SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 5, 2026
The Nationals are starting a right-hander, Cade Cavalli . The Dodgers originally had Muncy batting cleanup in their original lineup.
Hernandez typically sits against right-handed pitching. Only 17 of his 55 plate appearances this season have come against righties. He'll bat eighth in the Dodgers' new lineup.
In-Depth Developments & Factual Context
Muncy wasn't the only Dodger removed from the lineup. Dalton Rushing , who was set for a start as the designated hitter, was scratched as well. Alex Call enters the game in left field, with Teoscar Hernandez moving to DH.
The Dodgers gave an update on the status of both Muncy and Rushing. Muncy is currently sick, and Rushing felt right elbow discomfort.
Max Muncy is having one of his best seasons in a Dodger uniform. In 130 games, he's slashed a .245/.344/.482 with 26 home runs. His offense is rated as 26% better than the league-average hitter, with a 126 wRC+.
Industry Impact & Strategic Analysis
In addition to a solid power bat in their lineup, Muncy has improved his third base defense. He currently grades at +5 Defensive Runs Saved and +3 Outs Above Average at 1,018 innings at the hot corner.
The offense and defense add up to 3.8 fWAR this season. He's on track to post his fourth 4.0 fWAR season since joining the Dodgers lineup in 2018.
The combination of the solid bat and defense resulted in Muncy being named a National League All-Star for the third time in his career. He previously received the honors in 2019 and 2021.
Forward Outlook & Market Perspective
The Dodgers are hoping to secure a series win against the Nationals. In a tight race with the Atlanta Braves for the National League's No. 2 seed, they need to stack as many wins as they can get.
Los Angeles and Atlanta enter play on September 5 with identical 84-57 records. The Braves carry the head-to-head tiebreaker after beating the Dodgers five times in six games.
The Dodgers will send right-hander Tyler Glasnow on the mound to oppose Nationals ace Cade Cavalli. First pitch at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium is set for 9:10 p.m. ET/6:10 p.m. PT.
Michael McDermott Michael McDermott covers MLB and the Arizona Cardinals for Heavy Sports. He's previously published content for SB Nation, Sports Illustrated, and FanSided since 2015. Michael covered the Arizona Diamondbacks as an on-site reporter for Arizona Diamondbacks On SI for the 2022-2024 seasons and the Arizona Fall League for 2022-2025. More about Michael McDermott
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