Dustin May, the towering right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is off to a sensational start in the 2025 MLB season. In what has been a remarkable turn of events, May’s performance on the mound has been a key factor in the Dodgers’ undefeated 7-0 start. But as impressive as his pitching has been, the story of May’s rise to prominence this season carries with it an unexpected twist—a near-fatal salad incident that put both his career and his life at risk just months before the season began.
Dustin May’s journey in professional baseball has been anything but conventional. A pitcher known for his fiery fastball and devastating curveball, May’s natural talent has never been in question. However, his time in the spotlight has been marked by injury setbacks and recovery struggles. But after an offseason that saw him pushing the limits of his conditioning and determination, May entered the 2025 campaign with an undeniable focus. His goal was simple: to help the Dodgers clinch their first World Series championship since 2020.
However, before May could get anywhere near the mound in the 2025 season, he faced an obstacle no one could have predicted. Just a few months before spring training, May was involved in a bizarre and nearly tragic accident—a near-fatal incident involving a salad. The details of the event still leave many scratching their heads, but the bottom line is clear: May nearly lost his life after choking on a piece of lettuce.
It sounds like the kind of quirky story one would expect from a late-night talk show or viral social media clip, but for May, it was a terrifying reality. The incident occurred while he was eating a meal with friends at a local restaurant. What was intended to be a simple, healthy meal quickly turned into a nightmarish experience. According to May, he was enjoying the salad when a large piece of lettuce became lodged in his throat. Unable to breathe and in a state of panic, May’s friends acted quickly, performing the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the obstruction.
For a few terrifying moments, May’s life hung in the balance. The choking incident left him gasping for air and completely rattled. “It was one of the scariest moments of my life,” May later admitted in an interview. “I’ve been on the mound facing 100-mph fastballs, but nothing compares to the feeling of not being able to breathe.” The incident was so serious that May was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed he had been seconds away from suffocating. It was a wake-up call for the pitcher, one that would change his outlook on life and his approach to his career.
The recovery from the incident was, of course, more than physical. May’s mental state took a hit as well. After all, he had just come so close to losing everything—a thought that lingered in his mind throughout the months of recovery that followed. However, his perseverance was tested and strengthened by the experience. He took this near-death experience as an opportunity to reflect, making changes to his lifestyle, particularly his eating habits, but also in his approach to how he faced challenges, both on and off the field.
May’s return to full health didn’t come immediately. He spent several weeks working on regaining his strength, all the while worrying about whether the incident would have lingering effects on his pitching mechanics. The Dodgers’ training staff, along with May’s personal team of doctors, worked tirelessly to ensure he was physically ready for the rigors of professional baseball again. Despite the terrifying setback, May’s recovery was nothing short of extraordinary. He came into spring training with a newfound focus and determination, leading many to believe that he had come back stronger, not just physically but mentally as well.
As the season began, it quickly became apparent that May had indeed turned the page. His fastball was as explosive as ever, reaching speeds upwards of 98 mph, and his curveball had more break than anyone had seen before. But it wasn’t just his arm that had improved. May’s confidence was at an all-time high, a direct result of having faced such an intense personal challenge and having emerged victorious from it. The Dodgers’ pitching staff was already one of the best in baseball, but May’s newfound resilience made him a key piece of their early-season success.
Through the first seven games of the season, May has been nothing short of dominant. In his first start, he threw six scoreless innings, striking out nine batters and walking none. His command of the strike zone was impeccable, a stark contrast to the inconsistent outings he had struggled with in the past. May’s fastball, paired with his devastating curveball, was simply too much for opposing hitters. In his second start, he went even deeper into the game, throwing eight shutout innings and lowering his ERA to a microscopic 0.64.
It wasn’t just his pitching performance that impressed fans and analysts alike—it was the way May carried himself on the mound. There was a noticeable shift in his demeanor. Where once he may have appeared tense or unsure, May now exuded an air of calm confidence. He had faced down the most terrifying challenge of his life and survived; what could a baseball game throw at him that could be worse than that?
The Dodgers have benefited greatly from May’s resurgence. With Clayton Kershaw’s career winding down and other members of the rotation like Julio Urías and Tony Gonsolin dealing with injuries, May’s dominant pitching has filled a crucial void. Through the early part of the season, the Dodgers’ pitching staff has been nearly flawless, and May’s contributions have been a big reason why.
In addition to his on-field performance, May has taken on a leadership role in the clubhouse. Teammates have noticed a change in his attitude, and many point to his near-death experience as a catalyst for his growth as both a player and a person. Max Muncy, one of the Dodgers’ veteran stars, praised May for his maturity and for being a calming presence in high-pressure situations. “I’ve seen a different Dustin this year,” Muncy said. “He’s more in control, more focused. He’s the kind of guy you want on your team when things get tough.”
May’s 7-0 start with the Dodgers is not just a testament to his skill as a pitcher, but to his resilience and determination to overcome adversity. His near-fatal salad incident may have been the most unexpected and surreal moment of his life, but it has shaped him into a stronger, more focused player. The Dodgers’ perfect start to the season is a reflection of that transformation. As the season continues, it is clear that May has not only become a key piece of their pitching staff but has also become a symbol of perseverance and strength for the entire team.
The story of Dustin May is a reminder that the road to success is rarely straight and that sometimes the greatest challenges come in the most unexpected forms. May has turned a terrifying incident into the motivation to push harder, not just for himself, but for the entire team. As the Dodgers march forward in their quest for another championship, May’s presence on the mound will continue to be a driving force in their pursuit of greatness. With every start, it becomes clearer: Dustin May is back, and he is better than ever.