Dodgers getting closer to key player’s return from injury
By Eric Treuden
The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to receive additional pitching reinforcements in the form of a healthy Dustin May.
As if the Los Angeles Dodgers really needed any more pitching on their star-studded staff, forgotten right-hander Dustin May is nearing his triumphant return to a big league mound for the first time in over a year.
The 24-year-old last pitched in a major league game all the way back on May 1 of 2021, when he tore his UCL mid-pitch. He then underwent Tommy John surgery on the 12th and has yet to return.
In a rehab start on Aug. 14, May looked utterly dominant, striking out 10 batters in five innings and allowing just a single earned run.
Dustin May’s night is done
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) August 15, 2022
5 IP
1 ER
1 BB
10 K
In his 5 starts with OKC, he posted a 1.89 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 19 innings
I think he’s ready
Not to mention, he mixed an immaculate inning (striking out the side on nine pitches) in there as well, an increasingly rare feat in today’s game.
The top of the 2nd inning was immaculate!
— Oklahoma City Dodgers (@okc_dodgers) August 14, 2022
3 batters, 9 pitches, 3 strikeouts for Dustin May! pic.twitter.com/poRPFEX0Xj
Dodgers: Dustin May nearing return from Tommy John surgery
While the Dodgers have continued to boast one of the best pitching staffs in the major leagues, their rotation has taken a beating as this year has gone on.
Each of Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw, the staff’s two aces, have missed considerable time and the Dodgers have had to lean on Julio Urías, a surprisingly dominant Tony Gonsolin, and left-handed journeymen Andrew Heaney and Tyler Anderson along the way.
Fortunately, this foursome has been incredible for the boys in blue. None of their ERAs are higher than 2.81 on the season. Rookie Ryan Pepiot has stepped in nicely in five starts for the team as well, but he would likely be returned to the minors upon May’s return.
May is still young and has a ton of team control remaining on his contract (not set to hit free agency until 2026). He has 31 appearances (19 starts) under his belt at the game’s highest level and owns a career 146 ERA+ with a 2.93 ERA and 111 strikeouts against just 27 walks in 113+ innings.
His recent performance on his rehab stint suggests that he is ready to rock and roll and give the Dodgers yet another star-caliber pitcher on the staff.
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