For the first time in years, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dustin May is throwing without discomfort.
He says he’s throwing at 90 feet as he continues his progression and hopes for a mid-August return.
“My numbers now, I’m a lot stronger than I was before. That’s probably a telltale sign that something was wrong.”
Dustin May via The Athletic
May’s 2021 season was cut short when he tore his ulnar collateral ligament that required Tommy John surgery. He returned to the mound by the end of the 2022 season but his elbow “never really felt right.”
When he took the mound at the start of the 2023 season, the pain grew unbearable. He exited his start on May 17 against the Minnesota Twins after the first inning and within hours, imaging revealed a torn flexor tendon and a partially retorn ulnar collateral ligament.
That explained why he never felt everything click back into place.
“Everyone (who has the surgery) always talks about having one of those days where it’s kind of clicking and the pain goes away. Mine never really did.”
Dustin May via The Athletic
His second Tommy John surgery in three years. Not an ideal situation for a young pitcher but his progression is promising.
May finished his shortened 2023 season with a 4-1 record, a 2.63 ERA, 34 strikeouts, and a 0.93 WHIP in nine starts.
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