Dustin May makes his triumphant return as Dodgers extend perfect start to season

Dustin May Makes His Triumphant Return as Dodgers Extend Perfect Start to Season

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the unmistakable sound of a baseball zipping through the air — baseball, with all its unpredictable beauty, had returned. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, the 2025 season was already shaping up to be something special. With a perfect start through the first few weeks, they were playing like a team destined for greatness. But on April 2nd, 2025, a date marked in the minds of fans and players alike, the stakes were raised even higher.

Dustin May, the Dodgers’ beloved pitcher known for his fiery fastball and towering frame, was making his long-awaited return to the mound. After a tumultuous few years, battling through the grueling rehab from Tommy John surgery, May was back in business. His triumphant comeback wasn’t just a personal victory; it symbolized the resilience of a player who had defied the odds, who had faced the very real possibility of never stepping foot on the mound again. And yet, here he was, ready to contribute to the Dodgers’ already flawless season.

It was a perfect storm of hope, anticipation, and optimism, not just for May, but for the entire Dodgers team. They had yet to lose a game, soaring through their first set of matchups with ease, but this was the game that had everyone talking — May’s return was the cherry on top of an already dazzling start. With every pitch, every batter faced, and every out recorded, it became clear that May’s return could prove pivotal for a team hoping to make a deep run into October.

The Road to Recovery

Dustin May’s story was never one of simple success. The lanky right-hander’s early career was one of meteoric rise, marked by explosive velocity and an untamed edge that made him one of the most feared pitchers in the game. With a fastball that regularly touched 100 mph and a slider that bent like few others, May looked poised to become a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation. But in the cruelest twist of fate, his promising career was nearly derailed in 2021 when he suffered a torn UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) in his right elbow, leading to the dreaded Tommy John surgery.

Tommy John surgery was an occupational hazard for many pitchers, but for May, it was the kind of setback that could alter the course of his entire career. The surgery required a complete overhaul of his arm, a procedure that typically sidelines pitchers for over a year. The road to recovery was long, and the mental hurdles were even higher. Could he ever return to his dominant self? Would the years of rehab prove fruitful, or would his once-promising career end in a blaze of what-ifs?

For many, the waiting game would have been unbearable. But May, ever the competitor, focused on his comeback. He didn’t just work on regaining his strength; he made it his mission to improve, to evolve, and to come back as a more complete pitcher. No longer was he the raw, electric force he had been before. He had learned the hard lessons of patience, precision, and mental fortitude. The fastball was still there, but now there was a deeper understanding of his body, his mechanics, and the game of baseball itself.

Over the course of 2023 and 2024, May faced every challenge with quiet determination. His rehab included endless hours of physical therapy, bullpen sessions, and simulated games. But it was not just the physical work that had transformed him. Mentally, May had grown. He had learned to rely not only on his raw talent but also on the intelligence and strategy required to succeed at the highest level. And so, when 2025 rolled around, May felt ready. Ready to prove to himself, his teammates, and the world that he could overcome the most difficult challenge of his life.

A Perfect Start: Dodgers’ Unblemished Record

The 2025 season had been an extraordinary one for the Dodgers, and May’s return was perfectly timed. The team had gone undefeated in their first 10 games, an incredible feat in today’s competitive baseball world. The lineup was firing on all cylinders, with stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith leading the charge. The pitching staff, too, had been stellar, with Julio Urías, Clayton Kershaw, and Tony Gonsolin each delivering impressive starts to open the season.

But despite the strong showing across the roster, it was clear that May’s return was the final piece to the puzzle. The Dodgers were not just seeking victories; they were looking to make a statement — to prove that they were more than just contenders. They were a team built for greatness. May’s triumphant return to the mound on April 2nd was set to symbolize just that.

It was a sunny afternoon at Dodger Stadium, and the atmosphere was electric. The crowd, packed with fans eager to witness the next chapter in May’s story, buzzed with anticipation. There was an aura of something special in the air — a sense that the universe was aligning in favor of the Dodgers, and specifically, in favor of Dustin May. The stage was set for a game that would be remembered as a turning point in the season.

As May took the mound for the first time in nearly four years, the crowd erupted in applause. The towering pitcher, who had become a symbol of perseverance for so many, was finally back where he belonged. The first pitch of his outing was greeted with a roar — a fastball that sailed through the strike zone at 98 mph, an unmistakable reminder of the power that May had always possessed. His delivery was smooth, his mechanics were pristine, and the Dodgers’ faithful could feel the weight of the moment.

May’s Dominance: A Statement Game

The game against the Arizona Diamondbacks was not just a typical contest. It was a chance for May to prove that his time away from the game had not been wasted. And he did not disappoint. From the very first inning, it was clear that Dustin May was back in top form.

The Diamondbacks were no slouches; they were a team filled with youthful energy and power hitters. But May was ready for the challenge. His fastball was as explosive as ever, regularly hitting the high 90s, and his slider, which had been a work in progress during his rehab, danced through the air, making it nearly impossible for Diamondbacks hitters to get comfortable. The movement on his pitches was sharp, and he seemed to be one step ahead of every batter he faced.

May retired the first six batters he encountered, each with relative ease. The crowd was in a frenzy, knowing that this was more than just a typical April game. This was Dustin May’s comeback, a statement that the Dodgers were more than just a team full of talent — they were a team that would not be stopped.

Through three innings, May had not given up a hit. His control was impeccable, and his confidence grew with each passing batter. The Dodgers’ offense, meanwhile, was doing its part, putting up runs early to give May a comfortable cushion. Mookie Betts hit a leadoff double in the first inning, followed by a Freddie Freeman single that put the Dodgers ahead 1-0. By the third inning, the score was 4-0, and the Dodgers were cruising.

In the fourth inning, May faced his first real test. A single and a walk put two runners on base with one out. It was a moment that could have easily unraveled him, but Dustin May remained calm. His response was a perfect example of what he had learned during his time away from the game. He worked the count carefully, then blew a fastball past the next batter for strike three. The next hitter grounded into a double play, and the threat was neutralized.

The crowd was on its feet as May finished the fourth inning unscathed. It was clear that the pitcher who had returned to the mound was not the same one who had left it four years ago. This version of Dustin May was wiser, more strategic, and more confident. He had arrived — not just as a pitcher, but as a leader on a team that had high expectations.

The Final Innings: May’s Lasting Impact

As the game moved into the later innings, May continued to dominate. The Diamondbacks were simply no match for his arsenal. His fastball was still humming, and his slider was fooling hitters left and right. By the time he took the mound in the seventh inning, it was clear that he was on the verge of something special.

May struck out the first two batters of the seventh, and the Dodgers’ faithful began to buzz in anticipation. With two outs and nobody on, May faced the final batter of his outing. He took a deep breath, then delivered a 98 mph fastball on the inside corner for strike three. The crowd erupted in cheers, and May’s teammates rushed to the mound to congratulate him.

It wasn’t a no-hitter, but it didn’t need to be. May had thrown 7 innings of one-hit, shutout baseball, striking out 8 and walking only 2. His pitch count was manageable, and his performance was nothing short of dominant.

As May walked off the mound, his face was a mix of relief and joy. He had made his triumphant return, and in doing so, had not only proven that he was back — he had shown that he was ready to take on any challenge the season could throw his way.

The Dodgers went on to win the game 6-0, extending their perfect start to 11-0. But the victory wasn’t just about the scoreline; it was about the statement made by Dustin May. He had come back stronger, more focused, and more determined than ever.

For the Dodgers, the perfect start to the season had found its true catalyst — a player who had cheated death, overcome injury, and now stood ready to lead his team to glory. As the season wore on, it was clear that the return of Dustin May was more than just a comeback. It was a transformation — a new beginning for both the pitcher and the team. And for May, this was only the beginning of a journey that would define his legacy in the game of baseball.