Max Muncy, Alex Verdugo could return for Dodgers next week

The Los Angeles Dodgers could be getting two key contributors back before long.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Monday that both Max Muncy and Alex Verdugo could return to the club next week.

Dave Roberts said Alex Verdugo and Max Muncy are candidates to return next week, when the Dodgers travel to Baltimore. Verdugo is beginning a rehab assignment with @ogdenraptors today. Muncy might begin swinging a bat today.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) September 2, 2019

Verdugo has been out since early August with an oblique injury. The outfielder is beginning a rehab assignment on Monday.

Muncy was hit by a pitch on the wrist Wednesday against the Padres and has been out since then. If he is able to begin swinging a bat, a return next week seems possible.

Verdugo is batting .294 with an .817 OPS this season. Muncy is batting .253 but has a .900 OPS thanks largely to his 33 home runs and 82 walks. Muncy’s absence plus the September roster expansions have led to the callup of top prospect Gavin Lux.