LOS ANGELES (AP) — Max Muncy was back in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup on Monday night after missing 23 games with an oblique injury.

The scuffling NL West leaders hope he brings an offensive punch that's been missing.

Muncy is hitting .258 with 17 home runs and 64 RBI in 89 games. The third baseman had been on the injured list since Aug. 15, his second IL stint of the season. He was out a month over July and August with a left knee bone bruise.

“It’s a big boost,” manager Dave Roberts said before the game. “We’ve been waiting for this one for a long time, not to add any pressure to Max.”

Muncy and his left-handed bat were fourth in the batting order against Colorado behind Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

“The body feels in a good spot,” he said before the game. “

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