The Return of Dustin May: An Emotional Comeback
Dodgers starting pitcher Dustin May delivered a powerful performance in a spring training game against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, a moment that was profoundly significant for the 27-year-old right-hander. May’s fastball, clocking in at 95 mph, blew past Oscar Gonzalez for an inning-ending strikeout, prompting an elated May to scream into his cap and receive a flood of hugs and high-fives from his teammates. For those unaware of his recent struggles, the celebration might have seemed over-the-top for a single scoreless inning in an 8-3 exhibition victory. However, this accomplishment marked May’s return to competitive play after a grueling 21-month hiatus due to a series of life-altering events. "It felt amazing to be back," May said, his voice filled with relief and gratitude. "A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. … I’m alive. I’m glad I’m here. It was just a breath of fresh air, like a new beginning."
A Rocky Road to Recovery
May’s last appearance in a big league game was on May 17, 2023, when he was removed after one inning due to a flexor pronator strain. The injury required season-ending flexor tendon and Tommy John revision surgery, a setback that would have been challenging enough on its own. However, May’s ordeal took a terrifying turn on July 10, 2024, when a piece of lettuce from a salad became lodged in his throat, causing a severe tear in his esophagus. This life-threatening situation necessitated emergency surgery, and May spent 11 days in the hospital. "I would have been six feet under that night had I not gone to the hospital," May recalled with a shudder. Following his surgery, May embarked on a new six-month recovery process, during which he was restricted to lifting weights no heavier than 10 pounds. He began throwing lightly in November and only returned to full strength around January 1, 2025. Despite the setbacks, May’s fastball showed promising signs on Sunday, sitting between 94-95 mph, just a few ticks down from his average velocity of 97.3 mph in 2022 and 2023.
Pitching with Heart and Determination
May’s journey back to the mound is a testament to his resilience and determination. "Velo for me right now, I don’t really care about it at all," he emphasized. "I’m just glad to be here. If it goes up, it goes up. If it stays there, I’m going to be fine. As long as I’m throwing strikes with everything, everything’s gonna be fine." This attitude underscores the depth of his gratitude for being able to return to the game he loves. Competing with Tony Gonsolin for the final opening-day rotation spot, May is focused on proving his worth not just through velocity but through his ability to command the ball and deliver consistent strikes. His comeback story has inspired his teammates and fans, adding a new layer of significance to his every pitch.
Progress for Key Relievers
Meanwhile, two key Dodgers relievers, Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech, made significant strides in their recoveries over the weekend. Phillips, who had a stellar 2024 season with a 3.62 ERA and 18 saves, threw 15 fastballs off a bullpen mound on Friday, marking his first time this spring. While he won’t be ready for the March 18-19 season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Phillips is optimistic about being back in early April. "I feel fully healthy," he said. "There’s still a ways to go, and I’m focused on stacking up good days, like I have been." Phillips’ injury, a torn tendon in the back of his shoulder, occurred during the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets. He attempted to pitch through the pain in the World Series but eventually received a platelet-rich plasma injection and began his recovery in January. His decision to prioritize long-term health over short-term gain was a wise one, given the potential risks involved.
Kopech’s Ongoing Battle
Michael Kopech, acquired in a July 2024 trade from the Chicago White Sox, also faced his own set of challenges. Despite posting a remarkable 1.13 ERA in 24 games for the Dodgers, Kopech battled elbow soreness throughout the postseason, which flared up again during the winter. "That was the first time I’ve pitched that late in the year, and I did not manage it very well," Kopech admitted. "Adrenaline was a great mask [for the discomfort], and I went out there and competed with what I had. But when that wears off and the season ends, I didn’t feel great." Recognizing the importance of a thorough recovery, Kopech took a cautious approach, leading to a slower start to his spring training. On Saturday, he threw off the front slope of a mound, a significant step toward his return. Both relievers are on track to contribute to the Dodgers’ bullpen in the early part of the season, providing a boost to a team that values depth and resilience.
Early Signs from Roki Sasaki and Shohei Ohtani
The Dodgers’ spring training has also seen encouraging developments from their international prospects. Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki threw about 30 pitches in the indoor lab on Sunday, allowing the club to gather baseline measurements on his delivery and pitch characteristics. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior announced that Sasaki will face the Chicago White Sox in a "hybrid B game" on Tuesday, while left-hander Blake Snell starts the major league exhibition game against the Seattle Mariners. Slugger Shohei Ohtani, who underwent surgery on his left shoulder last November, faced live pitching for the first time since the procedure. Ohtani saw 32 pitches and laced several hits to the gaps and to right field, though none left the park. His progress is a positive sign for the Dodgers, who are banking on his return to form to bolster their offense.
Unfortunate Incidents and Safety Measures
Spring training isn’t without its risks, and the Dodgers experienced a moment of tension on Sunday when Padres reliever Cole Paplham was hit on the right side of his face by a 102-mph liner off the bat of Dodgers first baseman Aaron Bracho. Paplham remained conscious and alert as he was carted off the field and taken to a hospital for X-rays. This incident, following Bobby Miller’s similar experience three days earlier when he was struck by a 106-mph line drive on the forehead, highlights the importance of safety measures in the game. The Dodgers have been proactive in ensuring the well-being of their players, recognizing that a healthy roster is crucial for success both in the regular season and the playoffs.
