Dustin May threw a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium over the weekend for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last year. May had previously gotten off the mound at Camelback Ranch, but his latest throwing session marked another noteworthy checkpoint.
“It was great. It was just good to see him on the mound at Dodger Stadium. He did an up and down, 40 pitches,” Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“I think there’s a little bit of emotion and adrenaline in there with just being on a big league mound again. So not quite as crisp, as I’m sure he would have liked. But there were some good throws and the main thing is that he came out of it good.”
Next for May is completing four simulated games on a five-day schedule that begins Friday. Assuming he does not suffer any setbacks, the right-hander would then join a Minor League affiliate to begin a rehab assignment.
“I would say it’s a little bit the beginning part of Spring Training,” Roberts said of May’s progression.
Although it was brief, May enjoyed his time being back with teammates in the Dodgers clubhouse. “It’s always good to check another box. It’s exciting just to be here with the guys,” he said.
May added his bullpen session “felt good and it was coming out well.”
It was watched by Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes, assistant general manager Jeff Kingston, pitching coach Mark Prior, Roberts, Clayton Kershaw and Blake Treinen, among others.
When will Dustin May return?
The Dodgers losing Walker Buehler to a flexor tendon strain has placed more significance on May returning from Tommy John surgery, though the organization is maintaining a deliberate approach with the recovery process.
Rather than rush May through a schedule, Friedman said the Dodgers are unchanged in their planning.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
