The Los Angeles Dodgers had lofty expectations for Dustin May last season that he was living up to prior to suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow that required Tommy John surgery.
Since the time May made his MLB debut, he has posted a 2.93 ERA across 113.2 innings of work. May’s emergence was stalled by last season’s injury but he’s made steady progress with the recovery.
“Feeling great,” May recently said. “Getting back to a good spot, strengthening my arm and getting it back close to normal. I’m in a good spot.”
May further estimated he was near 70 to 75% recovered. “This is my first week of throwing six days a week. I’ll be throwing light on Monday, heavier on Tuesday, light Wednesday, light Thursday, heavy Friday, and then it will be a light Saturday,” he said.
“Working out four days a week and just getting back into the swing of things to get ready for the season.”
Since his comments, May advanced to throwing his first bullpen session since last year’s surgery.
The Dodgers have plenty of options for their starting rotation, which for now is poised to be rounded out by Andrew Heaney and Tony Gonsolin. Tyler Anderson and David Price could also enter the picture at some point as well.
May’s potential role with Dodgers in 2022
May is now 10 months removed from his Tommy John operation but doesn’t figure to join the club until after the All-Star break. Dependent on the status of the Dodgers’ rotation and his buildup, it’s plausible May returns as a relief pitcher.
The Dodgers previously used the right-hander in a hybrid role during the postseason, though that came with some growing pains.
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