Dustin May Shines in Return, Dominates Braves in First Start Since 2023

As if the Los Angeles Dodgers needed another pitcher to emerge.

Dustin May made his first start since 2023 versus the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night. May has battled several injuries over the last two years. In 2023, he was sidelined due to elbow surgery. Last year, when he was on the verge of returning to the mound, he endured a bizarre esophageal tear emergency after eating a salad — it sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

May recounts times over the last year in which he didn’t think he’d ever pitch again in the Big Leagues. Coming out of Spring Training, May earned a spot in the Dodgers’ rotation. He rewarded them with a sparkling performance versus a high-level ballclub.

On Tuesday, May threw five innings — allowing one hit and zero earned runs. For good measure, he struck out six batters before being pulled after 81 pitches. May’s assortment of offspeed pitches looked fantastic, as he made more than a handful of Atlanta hitters look uncomfortable.

There was a noticeable difference in which May pitched. He has the reputation of a guy with wicked stuff that oftentimes doesn’t know where it’s going. Traditionally, May’s fastball touched 100 MPH.

In this game, May’s fastball sat at 95-97 MPH — but it didn’t matter. He appeared to have far better control of his pitches. His windup/delivery was simplified, and you saw a pitcher throw with real confidence. Many within the LA organization believe he has the best ‘pure stuff’ of any pitcher — and that should terrify other ballclubs considering the other arms within the team.

If the Dodgers can get a relatively healthy year out of May, it would further strengthen an already insanely deep group of arms.