Dodgers: Dustin May Not Starting Sunday, Ross Stripling Named as Option

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that right-handed pitcher Dustin May will not be starting on Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group.

Right-hander Ross Stripling will be activated on September 1 when rosters expand and figures to be the starter on Sunday, according to previous comments made by Roberts.

Dustin May will not start Sunday. #Dodgers Dave Roberts: "He'll be the first one out of the 'pen." Sounds very much like a tandem situation with Ross Stripling coming off the IL and May following him.

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 31, 2019

May, 21, has had his struggles out of the bullpen well-chronicled, but as time moves on, he should begin to acclimate to the role. The hope is he can be a meaningful member of the bullpen in October and time will be on his side with a month remaining in the regular season.

On the year, May has tossed 24 1/3 innings to the tune of a 4.07 ERA. Out of the bullpen, however, it has been a different story seeing May toss two innings and allow four earned runs. His starts have gone a lot differently, where has pitched to a 2.82 ERA. These are all in a small sample size, but it has been obvious in which capacity May feels more comfortable.

Stripling will be coming back from the injured list carrying a 3.64 ERA and 3.92 FIP across 76 2/3 innings of work. In a starting capacity, Stripling has held a 3.54 ERA and as a reliever, he holds a 4.02 ERA. He will be heavily vying for a playoff roster spot.