A season that has already seen Matt Beaty, Kyle Garlick, Will Smith, Edwin Rios, Josh Sborz and Tony Gonsolin make their respective MLB debut, Dustin May is next in line when he starts against the San Diego Padres.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will formally recall May from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, though the organization’s top pitching prospect arrived at Dodger Stadium ahead of the series opener with the Padres.
“He’s earned this opportunity to pitch here. For us to put eyes on him at this level, on this stage, I think is important,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“He’s 21 years old, he’s ascended really quickly, his makeup, he’s been able to handle the workload, and the performance. I’m excited, we’re all excited to see him make his debut at Dodger Stadium.”
May’s flight to Los Angeles was delayed, but it did nothing to temper his excitement. Though, the actual call-up from Oklahoma City was not necessarily expected at this time. “It definitely caught me by surprise when [Travis Barbary, OKC manager] called me in the office and told me,” May said.
“It’s huge surprise and I’m definitely excited for the experience. It’s definitely a dream come true that I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little kid.”
May’s name surfaced in trade speculation ahead of the deadline, though it was primarily with other clubs seeking the young right-hander, and not the Dodgers showing a willingness to include him in any deals.
“That’s a huge confidence boost,” May said of not being traded. “Knowing that they believe in me, trust in me, that they feel like I can get the job done, that’s a huge thing that I feel.”
May is additionally sure of himself thanks to a renewed approach learned while working up the farm system. “Just knowing the stuff that I have is going to get the guy in front of me out,” he said. “I feel like that’s part of my success.
“Just getting in that mental mindset that my stuff is better than you. It’s one of those huge things that has totally changed my game since I got drafted.”
The Dodgers have not outlined any sort of plan beyond Friday, though Roberts acknowledged it’s plausible May will make multiple starts for the team.
“I’d like to be here for more but if that’s not the case then I’ll do whatever they want me to do,” May said.
