Dave Roberts: Dodgers Unsure What Role Dustin May Will Have

The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation received a boost with the return of Walker Buehler and will soon get another reinforcement as Bobby Miller is on track to begin a rehab assignment next week.

Clayton Kershaw and Dustin May could potentially enter the mix at some point in the second half as well. Kershaw has been recovering from left shoulder surgery and May is on the mend from right elbow surgery.

Kershaw has almost exclusively pitched as a starter since making his MLB debut in 2008, and there’s no reason to think that would change this season, even with a crowded Dodgers rotation. May has also made the bulk of his appearances as a starter, but could pitch out of the bullpen.

As for what May’s role may be should he return, the Dodgers have not made a decision. “No, not really,” manager Dave Roberts answered when asked if the team has a plan in place for May.

“I think for us right now, it’s just continue to get through the rehab process, build him up. And once we get to August, see where he’s at. Once he gets to September, see where he’s at, see a need.

“So I think that just continue to get through that process and build him up and see where we’re at that point in time of the year. But the other day, the bullpen, certainly positive.”

May has been throwing off a mound in recent weeks as he continues his rehab. The 26-year-old went 4-1 with a 2.63 ERA, 3.23 FIP and 0.94 WHIP in 48 innings pitched last year prior to undergoing season-ending elbow surgery.

In parts of five seasons with the Dodgers, May owns a 12-9 record, 3.10 ERA, 3.76 FIP and 1.05 WHIP over 46 games (34 starts).

Dustin May: Needing second elbow was ‘gut-wrenching feeling’

May also had a Tommy John revision for a Grade 2 sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) last year. It was his second major operation in 26 months as he previously underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2021 season.

May said that learning he would need another surgery was a devastating feeling.