With Dustin May making his MLB debut last week, it meant the Los Angeles Dodgers saw four of their top prospects reach the Majors this season, with Alex Verdugo, Will Smith and Tony Gonsolin doing so prior to him.
Meanwhile, Gavin Lux and Keibert Ruiz, half of the “big four” that have not made the big leagues yet, are both at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
While May’s debut suffered a rough ending on the mound, a nickname that he received upon news of his call-up made plenty of headlines in its own right. The nickname, “Gingergaard,” paid homage to his long red hair and the similarities of his pitch arsenal to that of New York Mets starter Noah Syndergaard.
However, some who know him well have other ideas. Lux, who has been May’s teammate with the OKC Dodgers and at several other stops throughout the Minors, offered a different nickname for May’s unique look — and May voiced his agreement in a tweet:
You said it!! https://t.co/qD3AqzML1d
— Dustin May (@d_maydabeast) August 4, 2019
Prior to Lux informing the general public, May said he did not mind the “Gingergaard” nickname as long as it was used positively. Though, that endorsement was hardly as enthusiastic as his tweet.
May also appears to use the nickname “Code Red,” which was stitched into the glove he wore during his MLB debut. That nickname has also been used for May’s new teammate and fellow redhead, Justin Turner.
Further indication of May preferring the ‘Big Red’ nickname came with the Dodgers unveiling their 2019 Players Weekend jerseys.
May’s promotion to the Majors was reported just after the July 31 trade deadline. May was reportedly part of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ demand in return for star closer Felipe Vazquez before the deadline.
However, the Dodgers refused to trade May and will at least give him an extended look in the Majors and a chance to make their postseason pitching staff. A deal for Vazquez did not go through and the two-time All-Star closer stayed on the Pirates, who currently sit in last place in the National League Central.
May as given another opportunity to start for the Dodgers as the club continues to evaluate their pitching options for the postseason. It’s believed the young righty could see a role out of the bullpen come October.
