LOS ANGELES (AP) — Max Muncy got on base four times and scored three runs. Nearly a month after returning from an elbow problem, he’s finding his groove just as the Los Angeles Dodgers lose another All-Star to injury.
Muncy and Mookie Betts hit first-pitch home runs in a 5-2 win over the last-place Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night. The victory pushed the Dodgers’ NL West lead to 5 1/2 games over San Diego, their largest of the season.
But outfielder Chris Taylor is headed to the injured list Wednesday after a CT scan revealed a fracture in his left foot. He got hurt last weekend and left Monday’s game when it swelled.
“He’s a grinder for us,” Muncy said. “He’s been great for us this year.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is hoping Taylor will be back in a couple of weeks.
In addition to his homer, Muncy doubled and walked twice.
“I felt more like myself. The at-bat quality has been a lot better,” he said. “Keeping a healthy head and a healthy elbow as well. I feel like I’m really hitting the ball really, really hard.”
The Dodgers got a boost from rookie right-hander Ryan Pepiot (1-0), who started in place of Mitch White after being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier in the day. Pepiot had known since Sunday that he’d be starting.
“He had his nerves under control and that’s a progression for a young pitcher,” Roberts said. “He pounded the strike zone. When he’s good he can command that glove side.”
The 24-year-old Pepiot allowed one run and four hits over five innings in his fourth big league start. He struck out a career-high six and walked one.
“Definitely exciting, but I know I have a job to do,” Pepiot said. “Today I kind of put the pieces together.”
Brusdar Graterol pitched the ninth to earn his second…