The Los Angeles Dodgers are absolutely stacked at starting pitcher, but with Shohei Ohtani still rehabing, there has been the question of who would be the Day 5 starting pitcher to begin the season.
Manager Dave Roberts announced on Monday on Dodgers Territory that Dustin May would be the team’s Day 5 Starter. He beat out Tony Gonsolin, who reportedly suffered a minor setback while lifting weights.
“I think it’s Dustin because, he’s obviously pitched well, getting back,” Roberts told Dodgers Territory. “Tony with the little hiccup, just not being able to build up. I think Dustin makes a lot of sense.”
Dustin May Named Dodgers Day 5 Starter
This is a huge moment for May, who hasn’t pitched since May 2023. May had Tommy John revision surgery in 2023 and, after trying to make a comeback in 2024, suffered a freak accident that resulted in surgery to a torn esophagus that nearly took his life.
As of today, the Dodgers’ 5-man rotation appears to be (in no order):
- Blake Snell
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Roki Sasaki
- Tyler Glasnow
- Dustin May
Back in January, Dave Roberts said that the team would eventually utilize a 6-man rotation, but in February, the team announced that they would start the season with a 5-man rotation and an 8-man bullpen.
Tony Gonsolin has also been battling to get back on the mound since 2023, so it is very unfortunate that he suffered a setback, however, it did not appear to be serious, so he should be available sooner rather than later.
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May has pitched in three games this spring and allowed three earned runs across five innings. He garnered six strikeouts and four walks. In his most recent outing, he pitched three shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three batters.
The Dodgers will head to Tokyo to kick off their Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18th.