PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas was able to avoid serious injury after a scary collision with Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy during Thursday’s game.
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Jun 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) collides with Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) at first base during the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
The frightening play occurred in the top of the fifth inning of Arizona’s 3-2 win over Los Angeles. Vargas fielded a ground ball near the first-base line and raced back to the bag. At the same time, Muncy sprinted down the line trying to beat out the play.
The two players met at full speed in a head-on collision that sent both tumbling to the ground and silenced the crowd. Trainers from both teams rushed onto the field as Vargas and Muncy remained down for several minutes before eventually leaving under their own power.
Jun 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30), first base coach Chris Woodward (84) and umpire Rob Drake look on as trainers tend to third baseman Max Muncy (13) and Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) after a collision at first base during the the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Given the force of the impact, the outcome was far better than many initially feared.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Vargas suffered bruises along the left side of his body, including his thigh, ribs and neck. However, X-rays came back negative. The infielder is considered day-to-day and could return in the coming days.
Jun 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks athletic trainers tend to first baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) after a collision with Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Muncy is also considered day-to-day after being removed with shortness of breath and evaluated for a concussion. The Dodgers third baseman said he had communicated with Vargas afterward, sending him a message following the game.
Relief spread throughout the Diamondbacks organization and among fans after learning the injuries were not more severe than initially thought. While both players are expected to be sore in the coming days, early indications suggest neither suffered a significant injury.
Status alert: Max Muncy, Ildemaro Vargas leave game Thursday.
pic.twitter.com/t6IzBLSIgF— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) June 5, 2026
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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