Dustin May, a professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, suffered a devastating injury during the 2021 season. In just five starts, May had shown promising signs with a 1-1 record and a 2.74 ERA.
However, on May 1st, 2021, during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, May tore his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) while throwing a pitch. This injury required season-ending Tommy John surgery, which May underwent on May 12th.
In this blog post, we will explore what happened to Dustin May, the impact of his injury on the Dodgers, and his expected recovery time.
May’s 2021 Season
Before his injury, Dustin May had made just five starts during the 2021 season, but had already made an impression on fans and analysts alike. He finished those starts with a 1-1 record and a 2.74 ERA, striking out 35 batters in 23 innings pitched.
May’s fastball was one of his most effective pitches, averaging 98 miles per hour, and he also utilized a cutter, curveball, and sinker to keep hitters off balance.
He had shown the ability to induce ground balls at a high rate, with a ground ball percentage of over 55%.
Overall, May’s performance was a positive sign for the Dodgers, who had high hopes for him as a young and talented pitcher. Unfortunately, his promising start was cut short by his UCL injury, requiring him to undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the 2021 season.
May’s Injury
Dustin May’s injury occurred on May 1st, 2021, during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. In the second inning of the game, May threw a fastball to Brewers outfielder Billy McKinney and immediately signaled to the Dodgers’ training staff that something was wrong.
May left the game and was later diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing arm.
The UCL is a ligament that connects the upper arm bone to the forearm bone and is essential for stabilizing the elbow joint during throwing motions. UCL injuries are common in baseball pitchers and can occur gradually over time or suddenly, as in May’s case.
Tommy John surgery is a common treatment for UCL injuries in pitchers. During the surgery, a surgeon will remove the damaged ligament and replace it with a graft taken from elsewhere in the patient’s body, such as the hamstring or forearm.
The surgery typically takes several hours, and the recovery time can be lengthy, with pitchers often sidelined for 12-18 months.
Dustin May underwent Tommy John surgery on May 12th, 2021, to repair his torn UCL. He has since begun his rehabilitation process and is expected to miss the majority of the 2022 season while recovering.
The Dodgers will likely take a cautious approach with May’s recovery to ensure he is fully healed and ready to return to the mound at full strength.
Impact on the Dodgers
The loss of Dustin May due to his UCL injury had a significant impact on the Dodgers’ pitching rotation in the 2021 season. Without May, the Dodgers were forced to rely on other pitchers to fill the gap, including Tony Gonsolin, David Price, and Jimmy Nelson.
The Dodgers also made moves to acquire starting pitching at the trade deadline, adding Max Scherzer and Danny Duffy to bolster their rotation.
May’s absence was especially felt in the postseason, where the Dodgers were eliminated in the National League Championship Series by the Atlanta Braves.
May’s injury also highlighted the importance of depth in a team’s pitching staff, as injuries can often occur unexpectedly and impact a team’s performance.
Looking ahead to future seasons, May’s injury may have an impact on the Dodgers’ plans for their pitching staff. The team will need to monitor May’s recovery and rehabilitation closely and determine the best course of action for his return to the mound.
The team may also consider adding more depth to their pitching staff to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Overall, May’s injury was a significant setback for the Dodgers in the 2021 season, and his absence was felt throughout the team’s pitching rotation.
However, with a strong offseason and a focus on depth and injury prevention, the Dodgers can bounce back and continue to compete for championships in the coming seasons.
Dustin May’s 2021 Season Statistics
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Starts | 5 |
| Record | 1-1 |
| ERA | 2.74 |
| Innings Pitched | 23.0 |
| Strikeouts | 27 |
| Walks | 5 |
| Hits Allowed | 19 |
| Home Runs Allowed | 3 |
| WHIP | 1.04 |
Note: This is a sample table based on Dustin May’s 2021 season statistics and is not an exhaustive list of all possible statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of Tommy John surgery for pitchers?
The success rate of Tommy John surgery is generally considered to be high, with many pitchers able to return to their pre-injury level of performance. However, recovery times can vary and some pitchers may experience setbacks or complications.
Can pitchers take steps to prevent UCL injuries?
Yes, there are steps that pitchers can take to reduce their risk of UCL injuries, such as building strength and flexibility in their arms, incorporating rest and recovery time into their routines, and using proper pitching mechanics.
How do UCL injuries affect a pitcher’s long-term career?
UCL injuries can be a significant setback for a pitcher’s career, especially if they require surgery and an extended recovery time. While many pitchers are able to return to their pre-injury level of performance, others may struggle to regain their form or experience recurring injuries.
How do teams typically adjust their pitching rotation after a key player like Dustin May is injured?
Teams may adjust their pitching rotation in a number of ways, such as relying on other pitchers to fill the gap, acquiring additional pitching depth through trades or free agency, or using a “bullpen game” strategy where multiple relievers pitch in a game instead of a traditional starter.
When is Dustin May expected to return to the Dodgers’ pitching rotation?
Dustin May underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2021 and is expected to miss the majority of the 2022 season while recovering. The exact timeline for his return to the mound is uncertain and will depend on his progress in rehabilitation and recovery.
To Recap
Dustin May’s injury during the 2021 season was a devastating setback for the young pitcher and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite his limited appearances in the season, May had already shown promising signs with his performance on the mound.
However, his injury required Tommy John surgery and forced him to miss the rest of the season, leaving a significant gap in the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.
May’s injury also highlighted the importance of depth and injury prevention in a team’s pitching staff, as injuries can often occur unexpectedly and have a significant impact on a team’s performance.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will need to monitor May’s recovery and rehabilitation closely and determine the best course of action for his return to the mound.
However, with a strong offseason and a focus on depth and injury prevention, the Dodgers can bounce back and continue to compete for championships in the coming seasons.
