Can Dustin May Defy the Odds?
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a one-year, $2,135,000 contract with right-handed pitcher Dustin May, who has faced numerous setbacks due to injuries since May 2023. The deal, finalized just ahead of Friday’s tender deadline, aims to secure May’s return to form while adding depth to the Dodgers’ rotation. Dustin May’s […]
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a one-year, $2,135,000 contract with right-handed pitcher Dustin May, who has faced numerous setbacks due to injuries since May 2023. The deal, finalized just ahead of Friday’s tender deadline, aims to secure May’s return to form while adding depth to the Dodgers’ rotation.
Dustin May’s Challenging Journey
Once a pivotal figure in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series-winning team, Dustin May has struggled to stay on the mound. Since that historic season, he has made just 20 starts, with injuries significantly impacting his career trajectory.
First Tommy John Surgery
On May 12, 2021, May suffered an elbow injury while facing Milwaukee. After throwing a 94.3 mph fastball to Billy McKinney, May exited the game in visible discomfort. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts later revealed that May first felt pain while throwing a curveball earlier in the at-bat. This incident necessitated Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for over a year.
Brief Return and Second Setback
May made his return on August 20, 2022, but his comeback was short-lived. In a May 2023 game against Minnesota, he left after just one inning due to a sharp decline in his fastball velocity. A second Tommy John surgery was performed on July 18, 2023, adding to his extended recovery timeline.
Additional Surgery in 2024
As May continued his rehabilitation, he underwent surgery to repair an esophageal tear in July 2024. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers and May remain optimistic about his return to action in the second half of the 2024 season.
Career Achievements and Future Outlook
Over five seasons with the Dodgers, Dustin May has showcased glimpses of brilliance:
- Career Record: 12-9
- ERA: 3.10 across both starts and relief appearances
- Role in 2020: Key contributor during the Dodgers’ championship run
May is eligible for free agency following the conclusion of the 2025 World Series, giving him time to rebuild his career and make an impact before exploring new opportunities.
What This Means for the Dodgers
The Dodgers are banking on May’s potential to regain his elite form, especially as the team looks to bolster its pitching rotation for a deep postseason run in 2024. While his injury history presents challenges, May’s contract reflects the organization’s commitment to his recovery and long-term contributions.
As fans eagerly await May’s return to the mound, the Dodgers’ investment highlights their confidence in his ability to overcome adversity and once again shine on baseball’s biggest stage.
