Dustin May’s Unpredictable Journey
Dodgers pitcher Dustin May participated in a workout during spring training at Camelback Ranch on a sunny Thursday, marking a significant return to form after a tumultuous year. Last year was supposed to be a comeback season for May, who had been out since mid-2023 due to a flexor tendon and Tommy John revision surgery. The hard-throwing right-hander was making remarkable progress, and by early July, he was almost ready to join the Dodgers’ major-league roster. His recovery seemed to be going smoothly, and he was feeling like his old self, hopeful of contributing to the Dodgers’ push for a World Series title. However, an unexpected twist of fate would soon derail his plans.
A Night to Remember
On the evening of July 10, while still rehabbing at Camelback Ranch, May went to dinner and ordered a salad. What seemed like a routine meal turned into a life-altering event. After taking one bite, he felt a piece of lettuce get stuck in his throat. He tried to wash it down with water, but moments later, he realized something was seriously wrong. May described it as a "complete freak accident" and a "mega-painful" sensation in his throat and stomach. The lettuce had caused a highly uncommon food impaction that perforated his esophagus tube, leading to a tear so severe it required emergency surgery.
The Role of His Wife
When the pain subsided, May, known for his calm demeanor, thought he could ride it out. "I’m not a big panicker," he said, "so I was like, ‘I’m fine. I don’t need to do anything.’" His wife, Millie, was more insistent. "No," she told him, "we’re going to the ER to get it checked out." Millie’s quick thinking likely saved May’s life. Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors performed a CT scan using contrast fluid, revealing the gravity of the situation. They immediately prepped him for surgery, which he said he "probably wouldn’t have made it through the night without."
A New Recovery Journey
The surgery to repair the esophageal tear was extensive, essentially a full abdominal procedure that left May with a long vertical scar from his lower chest to his stomach. Instead of wrapping up his elbow rehab, he found himself embarking on a new six-month recovery journey, during which he was restricted from lifting any weights heavier than 10 pounds. May’s early return to throwing began in November, but it wasn’t until around New Year’s that he felt fully back to his pre-injury strength. The experience has given him a new perspective on life and the fragility of his health. "It just kind of gives me a different viewpoint on a lot of things in life," May said, still processing the events of eight months ago. "Just seeing how something so non-baseball-related can just be like — it can be gone in a second."
A Fresh Start in Spring Training
Now, as the Dodgers gear up for the 2024 season, May is determined to make the most of his fresh start. He is focusing on making the opening-day roster and resuming his promising career. When healthy, May has been a standout for the Dodgers, boasting a 3.10 ERA and 174 strikeouts in 46 career outings, 34 of them starts, since his debut in 2019. He is optimistic about his chances and encouraged by his early performance in bullpen sessions. "If I’m healthy, I feel like I have a spot on this rotation," May stated. Manager Dave Roberts has also noted that May could be a valuable option for the bullpen if he doesn’t secure a rotation spot at the beginning of the season.
A Deeper Appreciation
The journey has been long and arduous, but May’s resilience is evident as he prepares for the new season. "It’s been a minute," he acknowledged, "but I’m definitely excited, and definitely have a deeper appreciation for the game." His brush with a life-threatening condition has not only reaffirmed his love for baseball but also heightened his awareness of the importance of health and the support of those around him. As he competes for the Dodgers’ fifth and final rotation spot alongside Tony Gonsolin, Landon Knack, Bobby Miller, and others, May’s return to the mound is a testament to his determination and the unwavering support of his wife. The 27-year-old pitcher is poised to make a significant impact, offering a potentially rewarding end to the medical saga that derailed his plans last year. Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout, delivered at the start of each series. This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
