Dustin May Takes Major Step in Rehab, Starts Throwing Program

May, 26, underwent Tommy John revision surgery in July 2023 after he suffered a sprained ulnar-collateral ligament. He commented that he had dealt with pain throughout his recovery from his Tommy John surgery in May 2021. This most recent surgery intends to correct this pain for May. 

When healthy, May has some of the most electric stuff in baseball. His sinker has movement that seemingly defies the laws of physics and clocks around 97 mph. Then his curveball comes in a full 10 mph slower with a deceptive horizontal break.

Over the past three seasons, May has only pitched in 101.0 innings over 20 games started. He had good outings though with a 3.21 ERA and a 1.010 WHIP. 

The right-hander could make a return late this season. However, since this is his second major elbow surgery, the Dodgers will handle him with care. 

Likely, they take a similar approach with May as they did with his teammate Walker Buehler last year. They will want to make sure that May is completely healthy with no setbacks or issues in recovery between rehab starts. 

When May does make his return to the mound, it may be in a different role. Some speculate that he would be better served pitching out of the bullpen to preserve his arm. Either way, the Dodgers will be happy to get him and his pitching arsenal back in whatever role he can serve.