A Promising Return: Dustin May Finds His Groove
On a warm February morning in Phoenix, Dustin May took the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers, facing off against the San Diego Padres in a spring-training game. The 27-year-old right-hander, almost two years removed from his second major elbow surgery, was a picture of resilience and confidence. “I feel really good,” May said after his outing, his voice reflecting the determination that has carried him through a series of setbacks. “When my stuff is in the zone, it’s just as good as anybody’s in the league.” Despite the long and often arduous road to recovery, May’s fastball touched 97 mph and averaged 95-96 mph this spring, a slight drop from his pre-injury peak, but still a testament to his potential. His slider, however, has been a revelation, described by manager Dave Roberts as “better than it was prior.” This pitch has already accounted for two of May’s three strikeouts in a recent scoreless three-inning Cactus League start against the Texas Rangers. May’s journey back to form is a testament to his grit and the support of the Dodgers organization.
Competing for the Fifth Spot: May vs. Gonsolin
As the Dodgers approach the end of their abbreviated spring camp, the competition for the fifth and final spot in the team’s season-opening rotation has intensified. Tony Gonsolin, who also missed all of last season recovering from elbow surgery, has looked particularly sharp this spring, pitching three scoreless innings in two Cactus League games and a backfield scrimmage. Gonsolin has the added advantage of having completed a minor league rehab assignment at the end of last year, making three starts with the Dodgers’ Triple-A Oklahoma City affiliate and being available (though not used) during the postseason. In contrast, May is still “on the comeback trail,” according to Roberts. His last regular-season appearance came on May 17, 2023, when he suffered an elbow injury that led to a flexor tendon and Tommy John revision surgery. Despite these challenges, May’s stuff hasn’t diminished, and he remains a strong contender for the rotation. “Everything should be on the table,” Roberts said, indicating that the decision is far from final.
The Bullpen and Beyond: Multiple Roles for May
While May is determined to secure a starting role, Roberts has left open the possibility of using him in various capacities. The Dodgers could opt to start May in the bullpen, where his premium stuff and ability to throw multiple innings make him a valuable asset. Alternatively, the team might send him to a minor league rehab assignment, similar to what they did with Walker Buehler last year, to help him build endurance and refine his command. “There’s just a lot of different variables,” Roberts explained. “Obviously, there’s only one spot as far as that fifth spot. But I think [Gonsolin and May] are both having really good springs.” For May, the key is logging innings, a crucial step in his recovery process. “I haven’t been able to pitch in basically four years. So I just need to go out and pitch,” he said, highlighting his focus on consistency and performance.
Set Lineup, Uncertain Spots
Outside of the rotation, the Dodgers’ opening-day roster is largely set, with only a few positions remaining open. Second base and center field are the most uncertain, with Tommy Edman likely to play every day at one of the spots. The other could see platoon roles filled by Andy Pages, Kiké Hernández, and Miguel Rojas, among others. The South Korean signing, Hyeseong Kim, is expected to begin the season in the minors to continue adapting his swing to North American competition. The bullpen also has some openings, with pitchers like Ben Casparius having an inside track to earn an opening-day spot, likely as a multi-inning relief option. The team’s depth and versatility provide a strong foundation, but the rotation remains the wildcard, influencing many of the other roster decisions.
The Evolving Rotation
The Dodgers’ rotation is expected to be a dynamic unit throughout the season. Japanese starters Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki are scheduled to pitch roughly once per week, creating opportunities for spot starts or potential bullpen games. Shohei Ohtani, the team’s two-way star, will eventually join the rotation, but his timeline remains unclear after the team decided to “slow-play” his throwing program. This rotational flux means that players like May and Gonsolin, who have Major League experience but are currently on the bubble, will have multiple chances to prove themselves. The team’s strategy of managing pitching workloads and leveraging multi-talented players underscores a commitment to both short-term performance and long-term health.
A Season of Possibilities
As the Dodgers prepare for their season-opening trip to Japan and the subsequent home opener at Dodger Stadium, the competition for the final rotation spot is reaching a critical juncture. May, with his potent fastball and devastating slider, remains a viable candidate. His determination to contribute to the team, regardless of his role, is evident. “I would like to think so,” May said when asked about his chances for the No. 5 spot. “But I just need to log innings. I mean, I haven’t been able to pitch in basically four years. So I just need to go out and pitch.” The Dodgers, meanwhile, are keeping all their options open, recognizing the importance of flexibility in a sport where injuries and performance can quickly shift the landscape. Whether May starts in the rotation, pitches out of the bullpen, or spends some time in the minors, his return to the mound represents a significant step for both him and the Dodgers.
