The Los Angeles Dodgers counted on Dustin May to be a vital member of their starting rotation, but now after Tommy John surgery, the hope is the right-hander can provide a boost after the MLB trade deadline.
May made just five starts last year before tearing the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his elbow. He was projected to return during the second half of the 2022 season and thus far has remained on track with that timetable.
After throwing several bullpen sessions and facing batters in simulated games, May pitched for the Dodgers in the Arizona Complex League over the weekend. He pitched two perfect innings at Camelback Ranch, collecting three strikeouts along the way.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously said the club had May on a normal five-day routine. That would suggest the 24-year-old takes the mound again Thursday.
First game post TJ ✅ pic.twitter.com/MElHMkjxVY
— Dustin May (@d_maydabeast) July 17, 2022
Assuming May continues to progress without any setback, he should make a natural progression to continuing his rehab assignment with a full-season Minor League affiliate.
Although the Dodgers have dealt with multiple injuries within their starting rotation, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently said the team remained committed to a deliberate recovery process that was not influenced by external factors.
Dustin May’s role with Dodgers
Even with remaining games coming off the calendar and not rushing a return, the Dodgers are confident May has ample time to fully stretch out as a starting pitcher.
That could make him a potential answer if Andrew Heaney struggles to get healthy after a second left shoulder strain, or fill the void while Walker Buehler remains out until September because of a Grade 2 right flexor tendon strain and recovery from removing bone spurs in his elbow.
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