Dustin May, who nearly died in a salad, is back in play with the Dodgers.
Dustin May’s return to the Los Angeles Dodgers isn’t just another routine injury comeback—it’s a story of resilience, perseverance, and, bizarrely, an incident involving a salad. The flame-haired pitcher, who once dazzled fans with his high-velocity sinkers, faced a near-tragic episode that sidelined him in an unusual way. But now, after months of rehabilitation, uncertainty, and a harrowing near-death experience, May is back in action and ready to reclaim his place among MLB’s elite.
The Unexpected Incident: A Brush with Death
Professional athletes are no strangers to injuries, but Dustin May’s ordeal went beyond the usual sprains and strains. While recovering from a previous arm injury, May had an unexpected medical scare—an extreme allergic reaction triggered by something as innocuous as a salad.
What was meant to be a casual meal turned into a life-threatening situation. Sources close to the pitcher revealed that May experienced an anaphylactic reaction severe enough to require immediate medical intervention. His throat swelled shut, his breathing became labored, and within minutes, he was rushed to the hospital. The terrifying ordeal left him shaken, forcing him to not only recover from his initial injury but also reevaluate his health and diet to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The Long Road Back from Injury
Before his near-fatal allergy attack, May was already facing a long and grueling road to recovery. The 26-year-old right-hander had undergone Tommy John surgery in May 2021, a procedure notorious for its long and uncertain recovery timeline. For a pitcher whose game relies on high-velocity movement and pinpoint control, the surgery represented a major hurdle.
May spent over a year in rehabilitation, enduring monotonous physical therapy sessions, strengthening exercises, and bullpen sessions designed to gradually rebuild his arm strength. While many players return stronger after Tommy John surgery, the mental toll can be just as demanding as the physical one.
The salad incident only compounded his struggles. On top of worrying about his elbow, he now had to navigate a new medical concern. Adjusting his diet, working closely with nutritionists, and carrying emergency medication became part of his new reality.
Dodgers’ Patience Pays Off
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a reputation for meticulously managing their players’ recoveries, and May was no exception. Though eager to return, both he and the team exercised caution, ensuring he wouldn’t rush back too soon. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts frequently spoke about May’s progress, emphasizing the need for a gradual return rather than an immediate comeback.
In Spring Training 2024, May finally returned to live game action. His velocity was there, his movement was sharp, and most importantly, he felt good. After so much uncertainty, it seemed that he had finally turned a corner.
What May Brings to the Dodgers’ Rotation
When healthy, Dustin May is one of the most electric pitchers in baseball. Standing 6’6” with an unorthodox delivery, May’s fastball regularly touches the upper 90s, complemented by a wicked cutter and a devastating curveball. His ability to generate ground balls and induce weak contact makes him an invaluable asset to the Dodgers’ starting rotation.
With the Dodgers aiming for another deep postseason run, May’s presence is a game-changer. The team has had its share of injuries and inconsistencies in the pitching staff, and adding a healthy May to the mix provides much-needed stability.
His return also eases the burden on other arms, allowing the Dodgers to manage their rotation more effectively. With pitchers like Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw carrying significant workloads, May’s resurgence allows the team to spread innings more evenly and keep everyone fresh for October.
Mental Fortitude: Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Beyond the physical hurdles, May’s return is a testament to his mental resilience. Injuries, especially significant ones like Tommy John surgery, can plant seeds of doubt in any athlete’s mind. Will my arm ever be the same? Can I trust my body again? Will I still be dominant?
May faced all of these questions, compounded by the bizarre and terrifying experience of his allergic reaction. Yet, he refused to let adversity define him. He sought help from sports psychologists, worked with trainers to regain his confidence, and slowly but surely found his rhythm again.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Now that he’s back in action, the future looks bright for Dustin May. At just 26, he has plenty of years ahead of him to solidify himself as a top-tier pitcher. The Dodgers, known for their ability to maximize talent, are committed to ensuring May reaches his full potential.
If his early outings are any indication, he hasn’t lost a step. His velocity is there, his control is sharpening, and his confidence is growing with each start. If he can stay healthy, there’s no reason why May can’t become a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation for years to come.
Dustin May’s journey back to the mound has been anything but conventional. From Tommy John surgery to an unexpected near-death experience caused by a salad, his path has been filled with obstacles. Yet, through it all, he has remained resilient, determined, and focused on his ultimate goal: helping the Dodgers win another championship.
As he steps back onto the mound, May’s story serves as a reminder that success in baseball—and in life—is often about overcoming the unexpected. And for the Dodgers, his return couldn’t come at a better time.