In a blow to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff and their aspirations for another deep postseason run, right-handed pitcher Dustin May is set to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery after experiencing renewed elbow discomfort that was diagnosed as a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The procedure marks the second time in May’s young career that he will go under the knife for the same operation, raising long-term concerns about durability and his future role with the organization.
The Dodgers officially announced the decision late Friday night, following days of speculation after May was scratched from a scheduled bullpen session. Team physicians, along with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, confirmed the damage to May’s UCL following an MRI and consultation.
A Painful Déjà Vu
Dustin May, 27, previously underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2021 and returned to major league action in the second half of the 2022 season. At that time, the Dodgers exercised caution, limiting his innings and ramping him up slowly. However, flashes of brilliance and a 100+ mph fastball quickly reignited hope that May would blossom into a frontline starter.
Unfortunately, those hopes have been put on hold once again. The latest injury was triggered by what was initially described as “forearm tightness” after his start on May 24 against the Cincinnati Reds. Further evaluation revealed a partial tear that worsened over the following days. May attempted to play catch and complete flat-ground sessions but ultimately reported “sharp pain” while throwing off the mound.
According to manager Dave Roberts, “Dustin has been a fighter. This is heartbreaking for him and for us. He’s an important part of our pitching staff, and we know how hard he worked to get back. But this is about making sure he can have a long career.”
What is Tommy John Surgery?
Tommy John surgery, medically known as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is one of the most significant procedures a pitcher can face. The operation involves replacing a torn UCL in the elbow with a tendon from elsewhere in the body, typically from the forearm or hamstring.
Recovery from Tommy John surgery generally takes 12 to 18 months, with most pitchers returning in around 14 months. However, the success rate and outcomes can vary depending on a host of factors—age, prior surgeries, pitching mechanics, and workload management.
What makes May’s situation more complex is the fact that this is his second Tommy John surgery, which places him in a much riskier category. Studies show that while roughly 80-85% of pitchers return to MLB action after a first surgery, that number drops to around 60-70% for repeat procedures.
May’s Numbers Before the Injury
Prior to the injury, May had been slowly reintegrated into the Dodgers’ rotation. In 2025, he had made 6 starts, posting a 3.48 ERA over 31 innings with 34 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.22. His velocity was climbing back toward pre-injury levels, with his fastball touching 98 mph and his signature sinker generating whiffs and weak contact.
More importantly, May appeared more confident in his mechanics and was attacking hitters with better command than he had during his initial return from surgery. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior had recently praised May’s “mental growth” and ability to “command all four quadrants.”
That makes this setback particularly frustrating, as the team believed he was rounding into form just as the summer months arrived.
Rotation Fallout: Who Steps Up?
With May now shelved, the Dodgers will once again turn to their deep bench of pitching talent. However, the rotation is already stretched thin due to injuries and innings limits. Walker Buehler, himself returning from Tommy John surgery, has been on a pitch count, while Clayton Kershaw is still months away from making his 2025 debut following shoulder surgery.
As it stands, the Dodgers’ rotation currently features:
- Tyler Glasnow – The newly acquired ace is anchoring the staff and has looked dominant at times.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto – The Japanese sensation has shown flashes of brilliance but is adjusting to the MLB grind.
- Gavin Stone – The 25-year-old has been inconsistent, alternating between shutdown outings and rough patches.
- Bobby Miller – On the injured list with shoulder inflammation, expected back in July.
- Emmet Sheehan – Called up to replace May but is still untested against elite lineups.
Expect top prospect River Ryan to be on the radar for a call-up if the current patchwork rotation falters. Additionally, Michael Grove and Landon Knack could be spot starters or serve long relief innings.
Trade Market Implications
May’s season-ending surgery puts added pressure on Dodgers president Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes to explore the trade market ahead of the July 31 deadline.
While the Dodgers entered the season with one of the deepest rosters in baseball, the pitching staff has been heavily taxed due to injuries. A reliable mid-rotation arm or even a rental veteran may now become a top priority.
Names like Shane Bieber (Guardians), Jack Flaherty (Tigers), or Erick Fedde (White Sox) could become attractive if their teams fall out of contention. Don’t count out the Dodgers pursuing a reunion with Rich Hill either if all else fails.
However, the front office has historically been cautious about overpaying for pitching unless the return is undeniable, especially given how close Kershaw and Miller are to returning.
Long-Term Outlook for May
With this second Tommy John surgery, the timeline for Dustin May’s return likely pushes into late 2026 or even spring 2027, depending on setbacks or progression. He will almost certainly miss all of 2026.
More concerning is the potential change in May’s role upon return. While he’s been groomed as a starter, two surgeries could see the Dodgers reconsider his durability over long outings. It’s possible he returns in a bullpen or swingman role, a fate that has befallen other pitchers with multiple elbow reconstructions.
The Dodgers have invested heavily in May, who was drafted in 2016 and debuted with the big league club in 2019. He remains under team control through the 2027 season, but questions will now swirl about his long-term future in Los Angeles.
Clubhouse Reaction and Teammate Support
Following the announcement, several Dodgers teammates voiced their support for May on social media.
Mookie Betts posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Heartbreaker. D-May is one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever been around. We got your back, brother. #DodgerFam”
Freddie Freeman added,
“Tough day for the team. Dustin’s presence is more than his stuff. We’ll carry him with us every time we take the field.”
And Tyler Glasnow, who knows a thing or two about injuries himself, said during a pregame interview:
“I’ve had Tommy John. I know the grind. But Dustin’s built different. He’ll be back.”
Fan Reaction: Frustration and Faith
For Dodgers fans, the news is a gut punch. May was viewed as one of the future cornerstones of the franchise’s pitching staff, a flamethrower with charisma, flow, and filthy stuff. After enduring one recovery, many hoped he had finally turned the corner.
However, there is still belief in the organization’s medical and rehab staff, widely considered among the best in the league. And if there’s a silver lining, it’s that the Dodgers have the depth, experience, and resources to absorb this hit better than most clubs.
