Dustin May has officially secured a spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation for the upcoming MLB season. The hard-throwing right-hander has been named the team’s fifth starter, solidifying his place after overcoming multiple injuries and setbacks. This opportunity comes as Tony Gonsolin deals with a back injury, delaying his readiness for the season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news, emphasizing that May is fully prepared to take on this role.
“Dustin May is back. Big Red is back, which is great,” Roberts said, referring to May’s signature fiery red hair and electric pitching style. The announcement is a testament to May’s resilience, as he has battled through significant obstacles over the past two seasons to reclaim his spot in the Dodgers’ rotation.
May was once considered one of the brightest young pitching talents in the league, but injuries derailed his early career. In July 2023, he underwent Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss an extended period. Just when it seemed like he was on the road to recovery, he suffered an unexpected and rare setback: a torn esophagus, which sidelined him further. The series of health challenges made his return to form even more impressive.
Despite these hurdles, May has looked solid in spring training, showing signs that he can still be a dominant force on the mound. So far this spring, he has pitched five innings, posting a 5.40 ERA with six strikeouts. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, his velocity and movement on his pitches have been promising. His fastball still touches the upper 90s, and his signature two-seamer continues to have exceptional movement.
With May now officially locked into the starting rotation, the Dodgers’ pitching staff appears formidable heading into the new season. The rotation includes stars like Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, and James Paxton, making it one of the deepest groups in the league. May’s inclusion further strengthens this unit, giving the Dodgers another power arm capable of shutting down opposing offenses.
May’s first test will come early in the season, as he is expected to start within the first week of the Dodgers’ schedule. Fans are eager to see if he can return to his pre-injury form, where he was regarded as one of the most exciting young pitchers in baseball. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a difference-maker for the Dodgers as they chase another deep playoff run.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers have a challenging May schedule, featuring series against the Braves, Marlins, Diamondbacks, Athletics, and Angels. May will likely face some tough competition, giving him the chance to prove that he belongs in the rotation for the long haul.
His journey back to the mound has been anything but easy, but May’s perseverance has paid off. Now, with a starting spot secured, he has the chance to make a major impact for a Dodgers team with championship aspirations. Fans will be watching closely to see if May can take full advantage of this opportunity and solidify himself as a key contributor in the Dodgers’ rotation.