Dustin May’s return to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves marks the culmination of a long and arduous recovery. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2021 and a subsequent return in August 2022, May faced another setback, requiring a second Tommy John surgery in July 2023. Further complicating his return was a later surgery for a torn esophagus.
May’s preparation for his return included 10 innings of work during Spring Training, culminating in a strong finish where he allowed only one hit and struck out six in his final five innings. This performance provides a promising foundation for his regular-season debut. May’s strikeout potential, when healthy, aligns well with the Braves’ tendency to swing away, as evidenced by Tyler Glasnow’s eight strikeouts against them on Monday.
Dustin May Takes The Mound For The Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers will face Chris Sale, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, who allowed three runs on six hits in his season debut against the San Diego Padres, striking out seven. Only Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Enrique Hernandez have historically found success against Sale, with the rest of the current lineup batting .250 or below against the left-hander.
Freeman’s availability remains uncertain after he slipped and aggravated his surgically repaired ankle. Manager Dave Roberts has listed him as day-to-day, and he missed Monday’s game. The Dodgers have had a consistent lineup only once in their four home games, featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freeman, and Teoscar Hernandez. Despite these lineup inconsistencies, the Dodgers have maintained a perfect 6-0 record, demonstrating their depth and resilience.
The Braves, on the other hand, are still searching for their first win of the season, with no player currently hitting above the Mendoza line. While the inevitability of both teams’ streaks ending looms, the Dodgers are hopeful they won’t coincide. The game is scheduled for 7:10 PM at Dodger Stadium.