Dustin May is a professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his impressive fastball and resilience both on and off the field. Born on September 6, 1997, in Justin, Texas, May was drafted by the Dodgers in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
After making his MLB debut in August 2019, May quickly became a valuable asset to the Dodgers’ pitching rotation. However, his career faced significant challenges due to injuries. He underwent Tommy John surgeries in May 2021 and July 2023, leading to his absence from the entire 2024 season. Complicating matters further, in July 2024, May experienced a life-threatening incident when a piece of lettuce became lodged in his throat, causing a tear in his esophagus. Emergency surgery was required, resulting in a six-month recovery period.
On April 1, 2025, May made a triumphant return to the mound, starting for the Dodgers against the Atlanta Braves. He delivered an impressive performance, pitching five innings, striking out six batters, and allowing only one unearned run. This outing marked his first Major League start since May 2023. The Dodgers secured a 3-1 victory, improving their season record to 7-0, their best start since 1955.
In recognition of his potential and past contributions, the Dodgers agreed to a one-year, $2.135 million contract with May in November 2024, ensuring his presence on the team for the 2025 season.
May’s journey has been marked by perseverance through physical challenges and personal hardships. His determination to overcome these obstacles has not only been inspiring to fans but also a testament to his commitment to the sport and his team.