After Cheating Death, Dodgers Pitcher Dustin May Makes His Way Back to the Mound a Changed Man

Dustin May, the towering, flame-throwing right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has always been a name that baseball fans have watched closely. Known for his fiery fastball, wicked curve, and striking red locks that have earned him the nickname “The Gingergaard,” May’s career has been one of promise, but also marred by injuries that have tested his resilience. However, none of these challenges could have prepared him for the traumatic event he would face in 2021, one that would test not only his physical strength but his mental fortitude as well. Through his journey of recovery, Dustin May not only overcame the odds but emerged as a changed man — on and off the mound.

A Bright Future Shattered

Dustin May was a highly-touted prospect when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft. The 6-foot-6 right-hander quickly rose through the ranks of the Dodgers’ farm system, with a reputation for his electric stuff and poise on the mound. By 2019, May had made his Major League debut, and it was clear that he was a pitcher with immense upside. His electric fastball, which could regularly touch 100 mph, combined with his nasty curveball, made him one of the most exciting young pitchers in the game.

In 2020, May’s talent was on full display as the Dodgers went on to win the World Series, and he was a key contributor out of the bullpen. His performance during the postseason earned him recognition as a future ace of the Dodgers’ rotation. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see what he would do as a full-time starter in the years to come.

But just as the Dodgers and May were on the cusp of greatness, tragedy struck.

On May 1, 2021, Dustin May was on the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers, poised to continue his ascension to stardom. Early in the game, he appeared to be pitching with his usual dominant stuff. But in the third inning, after delivering a pitch, he immediately clutched his right elbow. The concern was palpable, and it didn’t take long before it was clear: May had torn the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing arm. A torn UCL typically requires Tommy John surgery, a procedure that often requires more than a year of recovery.

For May, the diagnosis was devastating. It was a cruel setback in a season that had promised so much. The injury not only derailed his 2021 season but put his entire future in jeopardy. Tommy John surgery, while a fairly routine procedure in baseball, is still a daunting challenge that tests a player’s patience, physical endurance, and mental strength.

The Long Road to Recovery

The months following May’s surgery were grueling, both physically and emotionally. For any professional athlete, the prospect of being sidelined for a lengthy period is a difficult pill to swallow. But for a young, promising player like Dustin May, the uncertainty of returning to form after such a serious injury was especially daunting.

During the first few months of recovery, May was unable to participate in any baseball-related activities. He spent his time focusing on his rehab and working with the Dodgers’ medical staff, who guided him through the process of strengthening his arm and rebuilding his throwing mechanics. As May’s elbow healed, he worked to regain the strength and flexibility he would need to pitch at the highest level again.

While the physical challenges were immense, the mental toll of his recovery process was just as severe. May had always been a player who thrived on competition, and being forced to watch from the sidelines as his teammates played without him was incredibly frustrating. The uncertainty about when — or if — he would be able to return to his previous form hung over him like a dark cloud.

However, as time went on, May’s outlook began to change. He realized that the injury, while devastating in the short term, could also be an opportunity for growth. He would have time to reflect on his career, his approach to the game, and his mindset as a competitor. He began to view the rehab process not just as a means to return to baseball, but as a way to come back stronger, both physically and mentally.

A Changed Perspective

The Dustin May who emerged from rehab and returned to the mound was not the same player who had been forced to leave the game in 2021. While his fastball still had the same electric velocity, his approach to pitching had evolved. May had spent much of his recovery focusing not just on his physical mechanics, but also on his mental game.

Before his injury, May had been known for his intensity on the mound — an almost fiery, unrelenting approach to each outing. While this mentality had served him well in his early years, May had come to realize that baseball is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. During his time away from the mound, May took the opportunity to grow in areas that he hadn’t prioritized in the past.

One of the most significant changes was his mental approach to pitching. Dustin May began to focus on controlling what he could control and learning to manage the pressures and emotions that come with being a Major League pitcher. He sought help from sports psychologists and leaned on his veteran teammates for guidance on how to cope with the mental challenges of recovering from such a serious injury.

It was during this period of introspection that May truly came to understand what made him a great pitcher. It wasn’t just his physical tools — it was his ability to stay calm under pressure, to stay focused on each pitch, and to trust his training and instincts. He realized that while the body may fail at times, the mind can always provide the strength to overcome.

“I’ve learned so much about myself over the last year,” May said in an interview following his return. “Before the injury, I was all about my stuff — how hard I could throw, how nasty my curveball was. But now I’ve learned that it’s about the mental side of the game. Being able to trust myself, trust my preparation, and take it one pitch at a time.”

Back on the Mound: The Return of Dustin May

Dustin May’s return to the mound was eagerly anticipated by Dodgers fans and the baseball community. His first few appearances back were a mixed bag — while his velocity and stuff were still impressive, he struggled with consistency, as is often the case with pitchers returning from Tommy John surgery. However, the growth he had made during his recovery was evident.

May’s confidence began to grow with each outing, and it wasn’t long before he was back to being the dominant pitcher that had earned him so much attention in the first place. His fastball once again reached triple digits, and his curveball had the same bite that had made him such a sought-after prospect. But perhaps more importantly, his mental approach was far more refined. May was no longer as frantic on the mound. He had learned to slow the game down, to focus on each pitch, and to trust his process.

In his first full season back in 2023, May posted a 3.47 ERA and struck out over a batter per inning, showcasing the same potential that had made him a breakout star in the past. His confidence was growing, and so was his ability to execute pitches in big moments. It was clear that Dustin May had returned — not just as a pitcher, but as a more complete version of himself.

A Changed Man

Looking back on his journey, it’s clear that Dustin May’s recovery from his elbow injury transformed him in ways beyond just his pitching. He became more introspective, more mentally resilient, and more appreciative of the game he loved. While his return to baseball was a significant achievement, it was his growth as a person that truly stood out.

Dustin May now approaches his career with a sense of gratitude. He recognizes how fragile the game can be and understands that every day on the field is a gift. His experiences during rehab — both the highs and the lows — have given him a renewed perspective on life, and on baseball, and have shaped him into a more well-rounded individual.

“I feel like I’m a better pitcher now, but more importantly, I feel like I’m a better person,” May said. “I’ve learned a lot about myself through this process. And it’s made me appreciate the game and the people around me so much more.”

For Dodgers fans, watching Dustin May take the mound once again has been a moment of triumph — not just because he’s a talented pitcher, but because of the person he’s become. May’s journey from a promising young pitcher to a seasoned veteran who has faced the adversity of injury and emerged stronger is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit.

In many ways, Dustin May’s return to the mound represents more than just a physical comeback. It represents a triumph over the challenges that life throws at you, a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, there is always room for growth and redemption. For May, it was never just about cheating death; it was about learning how to live — and pitch — with a renewed sense of purpose.