Dustin May went into the 2023 season expecting to fill a prominent role for the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, his first full season since undergoing ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery ended early due to more right elbow trouble.

May managed to make just nine starts, the last of which was only one inning on May 17. He had two strikeouts and threw 16 pitches against the Minnesota Twins before leaving because of what the Dodgers initially deemed right elbow pain.

May was initially treated with a platelet-rich plasma injection that required him to be shut down from throwing for several weeks. However, the PRP injection did not promote enough healing in May’s elbow.

“We were expecting him to come back,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at the time. “I think if you look at how we went about the PRP, that’s a sign where we held out hope. Obviously it just didn’t take. Hearing from the doctor, surgery was the best option.

“Like I said, I feel for Dustin. It’s certainly a big blow, because obviously he’s very valuable.”

May ultimately underwent surgery to repair his right flexor tendon repaired in addition to UCL reconstruction revision from the Tommy John he had in 2021. The operation was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who was also the surgeon for the right-hander’s original Tommy John surgery.

May went 4-1 with a 2.63 ERA, 3.23 FIP and 0.94 WHIP in 48 innings pitched prior to undergoing season-ending elbow surgery.

Dustin May 2023 highlight

May enjoyed his best performance of the 2023 season on March 31, when he allowed just three hits over seven scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2024 outlook

May’s timeline for a return from his latest surgery is projected to be roughly 12 months. He could conceivably be back on a mound for the Dodgers at some point during the second half of the 2024 season, even if the team takes a conservative approach.

May is eligible for salary arbitration this offseason and projected by MLB Trade Rumors to earn a $9.3 million salary in 2024.