Dodgers Injury News: Dustin May Takes a Massive Step Toward Return to Roster
As the Dodgers kick off a three game series in Atlanta, good news was in progress back at the club’s complex in Arizona. Injured pitcher, Dustin May tossed live batting practice for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last May.
Among those to report were Dustin’s girlfriend Millie on Instagram.
The right-hander was shut down last year after feeling discomfort during a start against the Brewers in Milwaukee. After an MRI revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), the 24-year-old underwent the knife and his season was over.
It’s been a slow but steady progression for May who first started tossing a ball around during spring training back in March. He was in LA for a mound session during the last homestand and now finds himself less than a few weeks away from beginning a minor league rehab assignment. Reports say that could happen by mid-July.
According to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register, the Dodgers are “committed” to building Dustin back up as a starter before his return to the team. Early expectations were that the fireballer would return in a relief role this season before fully building back up for the 2023 season. However, with current needs in the starting rotation, the build up this year makes sense.
May, who touched 98-101 miles-per-hour on his fastball during the live session on Friday, is expected to continue pitching every fifth day for the time being.
Over parts of three big league seasons with the Dodgers, the righty has gone 6-5 with a 2.93 ERA across 113.2 innings as a starter and in relief. In 2021, he had a 2.74 ERA over his first 5 starts before the injury. May played a big role during LA’s 2020 World Series run, making 7 appearances during the postseason, 4 of which were scoreless outings.
Looking for more Dodgers News? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest news, updates, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
NEXT: Andrew Heaney Headed to the Injured List Again