Injury struggles persist as Dodgers’ Dustin May undergoes season-ending surgery

The Dodgers lost to the Detroit Lions on Saturday ahead of the MLB All-Star Game

Dustin May hasn’t been able to stay healthy

The 26-year-old right-hander experienced sudden pain in his esophagus and stomach while at dinner on Wednesday.

The discomfort persisted, prompting him to seek medical attention the following day.

The surgery was deemed successful, but May will not be returning to the mound this season.

This latest setback adds to a series of injuries that have plagued May’s career.

He last pitched for the Dodgers in May 2023 and has been sidelined this season while recovering from surgery on a right flexor strain and UCL sprain in his throwing arm, which he underwent last July.

May had begun throwing two months ago and was preparing for a rehab assignment before the esophagus issue arose.

May’s recent injury surfaced unexpectedly and required swift medical intervention.

The Dodgers were hopeful that his return would bolster their injury-riddled pitching staff, which currently includes several key players on the injured list, such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Emmet Sheehan, Brusdar Graterol, Joe Kelly, and Ryan Brasier.

Additionally, Tyler Glasnow is expected to return soon, while standout rookie Bobby Miller was recently sent to Triple-A, and Shohei Ohtani is not pitching this season following reconstructive elbow surgery.

May, known for his high-velocity fastball that can reach 100 mph and his diverse pitching arsenal, was expected to be a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation.

His potential was on full display during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

However, his career has been marred by injuries, including Tommy John surgery in May 2021 and a lower back injury that limited him to six games in 2022.

Despite these challenges, May has posted a commendable 3.10 ERA in 191 2/3 innings over his career, spanning 2019 to 2023.

However, injuries have restricted him to just 122 innings across all levels from 2021 to 2023.