Dustin May was emerging as a key contributor in the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation last season but had his year cut short due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow that required Tommy John surgery.
May wound up making just five starts last season, pitching to a 2.74 ERA, 3.30 FIP and 0.96 WHIP to go along with 35 strikeouts against six walks over 23 innings. At the time of his season-ending operation, the Dodgers estimated May wouldn’t return until after the All-Star break in 2022.
They maintained a cautious approach throughout May’s rehab process even while taking on injuries to Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw. However, last week, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said May was on track to return from the 60-day injured list during the upcoming home series against the Miami Marlins.
Roberts has now settled on the Dodgers activating May to start Saturday at Dodger Stadium, via David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
Dave Roberts confirmed Dustin May will start on Saturday at Dodger Stadium. #Dodgers #Marlins
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 15, 2022
May began his rehab assignment with the Arizona Complex League Dodgers on July 16, and he advanced to making five starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City. The right-hander threw 70 pitches over five innings on Sunday for his final tuneup, and completed an additional 10 throws in the bullpen.
May has already stretched out to five innings, which has him in position to take on a normal workload upon being reinstated from the IL. May has allowed just three runs over 16 innings pitched (1.69 ERA) and collected 26 strikeouts in his rehab starts.
Dustin May pitched immaculate inning
En route to collecting 10 strikeouts in his final rehab start for Oklahoma City, May pitched an immaculate inning. Each of his three strikeouts during the feat were looking.
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