LOS ANGELES — Dustin May returned to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers, transformed by experience. Making his first major league start since May 17, 2023, May produced an impressive performance, allowing just one hit and an unearned run across five innings in the Dodgers’ 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves. During his time on the field, he struck out six batters and issued three walks.
“Even if the outing had gone poorly, I would have been happy just to be back on a major league mound,” May expressed. “It meant everything to me to pitch again, because eight months ago, I doubted this day would come.”
May’s previous season had been derailed due to two major medical issues: a torn flexor tendon in his right arm and a life-threatening esophageal tear from an unexpected incident while dining with his wife. What started as a usual dinner in Arizona turned serious when a piece of lettuce lodged in May’s esophagus. Attempts to clear it with water resulted in a painful revelation that the lettuce had perforated his esophagus.
“It’s the kind of story you think is made up, but it happened,” teammate Mookie Betts remarked. “It was like divine intervention,” he added.
The same evening of the incident, May underwent emergency surgery, with medical experts later revealing that his timely action had been crucial.
“After the esophageal scare, I was completely reset,” May explained. “Baseball wasn’t my focus; my priority was recovering and being healthy enough to see another day.”
Nicknamed Big Red, the 6-foot-6 pitcher closed his eyes and looked skyward as he prepared to pitch, expressing silent gratitude for his return.
“I was thanking the Lord for my comeback,” he shared. “I’ve leaned heavily on faith and prayer over these years, attributing all my achievements to that.”
May’s initial pitch was a 96 mph sinker, which resulted in a strike against Braves’ leadoff hitter Michael Harris II. Following that, Harris was struck out looking.
Next in the lineup was Austin Riley, who went down swinging in five pitches. Matt Olson followed but also succumbed to a called third strike, as May enthusiastically returned to the dugout, receiving jubilant high-fives from teammates.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to know my skills are still effective,” May stated. “Getting big league batters out again felt tremendous.”
The supportive crowd of 50,182 fetched a warm welcome back for May.
“The reception was fantastic,” he said.
An inning-ending situation nearly arose in the second when Mookie Betts fumbled an opportunity, resulting in an error that permitted an unwanted run, marking his first misstep at shortstop for the season.
“I didn’t secure a good grip,” Betts lamented. “It was a careless mistake.”
May’s temperament, once akin to his fiery red locks, has mellowed considerably since his early career.
“Each pitch used to trigger intense emotions, both high and low,” he reflected.
Surviving a life-threatening ordeal has granted him newfound tranquility.
“Maintaining a steady, composed attitude in your everyday life has been crucial and probably my biggest change in recent months,” he admitted.
During the 2023 season, before needing Tommy John revision surgery, May boasted a record of 4-1 in nine starts, paired with a 2.63 ERA, 34 strikeouts, and 16 walks. However, little did he know that surgery would become the lesser of his worries amid life-threatening challenges he encountered.
“I didn’t foresee any bright hope during those moments,” he recalled with a sigh. “It demanded grit and perseverance to carve my way back to where I am now.”