GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dave Roberts announced on Dodgers Territory Monday night that Dustin May will be the No.5 starter to start the 2025 season.
Roberts revealed that May was the best choice for the spot because Tony Gonsolin injured his back lifting weights. The severity of Gonsolin's injury has yet to be determined, but it was enough to cause concern and keep him out of the starting rotation talks.
Dave Roberts revealed to us on @LADTerritory that Dustin May has been named the Dodgers' 5th starter and Tony Gonsolin is dealing with a back issue he sustained while lifting weights. pic.twitter.com/79vHUAASFJ
— Clint Pasillas (@realFRG) March 11, 2025
"As far as a fifth starter, I think it's Dustin. He's obviously pitched well, getting back, Tony with the little hiccup, not being built up, I think Dustin makes a lot of sense," Roberts said.
Dustin May struck out 3 in 3.0 scoreless innings in his start today
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) March 6, 2025
May has been productive this Spring as he looks healthy after missing all of 2024. His velocity his hovering in the mid 90s and his extreme high-spin curveballs continue to fool batters pic.twitter.com/ajKVBlAge9
This is a huge boost to May's confidence. He last pitched in May 2023 and left the mound in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins after experiencing right elbow pain. Months later, May had to have surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his right elbow and Tommy John revision surgery soon after.
Dustin May was recovering from elbow surgery last July when a near-death experience forced him to undergo emergency esophagus surgery.
— MLB (@MLB) February 23, 2025
His first outing since that incident was an emotional one 💙 pic.twitter.com/XnZyzULwNJ
May was close to returning last season but had to have emergency surgery to repair a torn esophagus he suffered while eating lettuce. "Mine fully ruptured in an ‘L’ shape, an inch by an inch. It was really bad," May recounted about his esophagus tear.
Gonsolin is also looking to pitch in the major leagues this year, as he has not pitched since 2023. Like May, Gonsolin underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023. There was a potential scenario in which he could have pitched in last year's playoffs, but the Dodgers decided to hold off on any implications and save his arm for the spring.
Dustin May, Filthy Sinker...with 20 inches of Run. 😷 pic.twitter.com/gxVbKphuJd
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 6, 2025
The right-hander looks to be in tip-top shape this spring. In the three games he's appeared in, he's pitched five innings, struck out six, and obtained a WHIP of 1.40.
The Dodgers projected starting rotation for the 2025 will be as listed :
1. Blake Snell, LHP
2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, RHP
3. Tyler Glasnow, RHP
4. Roki Sasaki, RHP
5. Dustin May, RHP