The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation has been decimated by injuries this season, but Dustin May and several key contributors are expected to return in the coming weeks.
Among them is Dustin May, who has not thrown a pitch in a Major League game since last May after suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) that required Tommy John surgery.
May made his fourth rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday and pitched five innings while giving up just three hits and one run. He is expected to make one more appearance Sunday before joining the Dodgers for their series with the Miami Marlins this weekend.
May wants to prove he is completely healthy and can record meaningful outs for the Dodgers in the stretch run, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“I’m just trying to get back and show that I’m healthy,” May said. “Prove that I can get outs and help the team as much as possible.”
May has thrown 16 innings across his five rehab starts, with one of the outings coming for the Arizona Complex League Dodgers and the other four at the Triple-A level. Across those starts, he has posted a 1.69 ERA while striking out 26 hitters with a .164 average against.
The right-hander was emerging as a key for the Dodgers last season before the injury, posting a 2.74 ERA, 3.30 FIP and 0.96 WHIP with 35 strikeouts against six walks in 23 innings pitched (five starts).
Who will May replace in Dodgers rotation?
Once May is activated, he will likely replace Ryan Pepiot in the Dodgers rotation. Pepiot is currently filling in for Clayton Kershaw, who was placed on the 15-day injured list due to lower back discomfort.
L.A. also has been without Walker Buehler as he deals with a right flexor tendon strain and subsequently undergoing elbow surgery to remove bone spurs.
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