Dodgers activate Max Muncy

The Dodgers announced they’ve activated second baseman Max Muncy from the injured list before Tuesday night’s game in San Diego. Outfielder Zach Reks was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move. Muncy is starting at second base against the Padres, hitting sixth in the order.

Muncy wound up sitting out a minimal 10 days with a modest right oblique strain. The 30-year-old has been one of the best players in the league this season. He’s hitting .264/.418/.528 with 14 homers in 244 plate appearances. By measure of wRC+ (163), Muncy is tied with Nick Castellanos as the seventh-most productive qualified hitter. It’s his fourth consecutive season of high-end offensive play.

At 44-28 entering Tuesday, the Dodgers at two games back of the Giants in a three-way race in the National League West. The 43-32 Friars were 2.5 games behind L.A., making this an important series between the pair of Southern California rivals. San Diego won the first game last night, 6-2.