The Los Angeles Dodgers hope that Muncy and Edman will return next week.

This week, the Dodgers have a fairly strong lineup in their Triple-A affiliate team. Third baseman Max Muncy is the newest Dodgers player to begin a rehab stint today with Triple-A Oklahoma City, alongside utility player Tommy Edman and left-handed reliever Alex Vesia. All three are expected to rejoin the major league team for the next home series starting Tuesday against the Rockies.

For the Dodgers, regaining one of their most reliable bullpen arms in Vesia will help stabilize the late innings. However, the returns of Muncy and Edman could have an even greater impact for a team aiming to regain momentum before the playoffs.

This is Muncy’s second time on the injured list this season, this time due to a right oblique strain. When he first went on the injured list with a left knee bone bruise, the Dodgers' performance also began to decline, falling from a season-high 9-game lead in the National League West on July 3rd to their current unstable position, leading the Padres by only 2.5 games.

As of today, the Dodgers’ top three hitters in wRC+ are Shohei Ohtani (168), Will Smith (Will Smith) (153), and Muncy (145). Muncy’s return will help stabilize this inconsistent lineup—and catcher Smith, who was hit on the right hand by a foul ball yesterday, may also be out at least through this weekend.

“I just feel like his quality at the plate, being another left-handed bat, and his ability to get hits, get on base, and hit for power—he solves several problems by himself,” manager Dave Roberts said last month when discussing what the lineup lacked without Muncy.

During Muncy’s absence, the third base position was mainly covered by Miguel Rojas and their third-year rookie Alex Freeland—who was optioned down on Thursday. Muncy’s eventual return might mean more time for Rojas to play second base in the future.

Edman’s return could bring some interesting defensive adjustments for the Dodgers. During rehab games, he has primarily been training in center field defense, although he is still expected to be an option at second base after returning.

If Edman spends more time in center field, Andy Pages would shift to left or right field. Teoscar Hernández is currently still regarded as the primary right fielder, but that situation could change.

“If we’re talking about moving Teoscar to left field, that’s something we might do,” Roberts said. “I think it would give us more options.”

Defensively, Hernández has struggled in right field. His -10 outs above average ranks last among qualified major leaguers. Since returning from the injured list in May with a left groin strain, he has also struggled at the plate, hitting .216 with an OPS of 0.649 over 81 games as of Thursday.

Dodgers’ primary left fielder Michael Conforto has also struggled this season, with a batting average of .188 and an OPS of 0.623 as of today.

During Edman’s absence, aside from Pages, the Dodgers had no viable everyday option in center field on their active roster. Edman’s return could provide them with more flexibility to shift corner outfield positions.

At the very least, Roberts hopes having a fuller roster will help the team perform better overall in the final stretch of the season—both individually and collectively.

“I think competition definitely raises the bar for both individuals and the team,” he said. “As long as players understand what’s expected, I think that helps us win games—whether it’s earning walks, advancing runners, or playing good defense… competition is a good thing.”