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Dustin May
Dustin May
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Dustin Jake May (born September 6, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. May was selected by the Dodgers in the third round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft, and made his MLB debut in 2019. The Dodgers won the World Series with him in 2020.

Key Information

Early life and amateur career

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May graduated from Northwest High School in Justin, Texas. He was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft.[1] He was committed to play college baseball for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, but chose to sign with the Dodgers for a $1 million signing bonus,[2] forgoing his commitment.

Professional career

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Los Angeles Dodgers

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Minor leagues

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After signing, May made his professional debut with the Arizona League Dodgers, and spent the whole season there, posting an 0-1 record with a 3.86 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 3023 innings pitched.[3] In 2017, he played for both the Great Lakes Loons and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, compiling a combined 9-6 record, 3.63 ERA, and a 1.15 WHIP in 25 games (24 starts) between the two clubs.[3] In 2018 for the Quakes, May was selected to the post-season California League all-star team.[4] On September 14, he started the Drillers' title clinching playoff game, in which he allowed two runs in five innings.[5] In 23 total starts between Rancho Cucamonga and Tulsa, May was 9-5 with a 3.39 ERA.[3]

May began 2019 with Tulsa.[6] He was selected to the mid-season Texas League All-Star Game[7] and the All-Star Futures Game.[8] May was promoted to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers on June 27.[9] He was a combined 6-5 with a 4.13 ERA as he struck out 110 batters in 10623 innings.[3]

Major leagues

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2019 season

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May was called up to the majors on August 2, 2019, and made his major league debut for the Dodgers as the starting pitcher against the San Diego Padres.[10] He pitched 523 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits with three strikeouts. His first MLB strikeout was of Hunter Renfroe.[11] On August 13, May picked up his first big league win against the Miami Marlins after pitching 523 innings, allowing one run on three hits with five strikeouts.[12] He finished the season appearing in 14 games for the Dodgers (four starts), with a 2–3 record, a 3.63 ERA, and 32 strikeouts with only five walks.[13] He also pitched in 313 innings across two games for the Dodgers in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Washington Nationals, allowing one run on three hits.[13]

2020 season

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May was selected to start for the Dodgers on Opening Day in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season after Clayton Kershaw injured his back before the game. May became the youngest opening day starter for the Dodgers since Fernando Valenzuela in 1981.[14] He picked up his first win of the season on August 4, when he struck out eight in six innings against the San Diego Padres[15] and appeared in 12 games (10 starts) with a 3–1 record and 2.57 ERA in 56 innings.[13] His 99.1 mph-average four-seam fastball was the fastest four-seamer of any major league pitcher for the 2020 season.[16] He pitched three scoreless innings over two games in the 2020 NLDS against the San Diego Padres and allowed two earned runs in 423 innings over three games against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series (NLCS).[13] May pitched in two games of the 2020 World Series, working three total innings and allowing three runs to score on five hits.[13]

2021 season

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May made five starts in 2021, with a 1–1 record and 2.74 ERA.[13] On May 1, he tore his UCL while throwing a pitch, requiring season ending Tommy John surgery, which he underwent on May 12.[17]

2022 season

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On August 20, 2022, May made his first start after returning from his recovery and struck out nine while allowing only one hit in five scoreless innings against the Miami Marlins.[18] He pitched a total of six games for the Dodgers, with a 2–3 record and 4.50 ERA[13] before he was placed on the injured list with lower back tightness on September 24, ending his regular season.[19]

2023 season

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May signed a $1.675 million contract with the Dodgers in his first year of salary arbitration.[20] In a May 17 start against the Minnesota Twins, he left the game after only one inning due to right elbow pain.[21] Following the game, he was diagnosed with a right flexor pronator strain.[22] He later received a platelet-rich plasma injection[23] and was placed on the 60-day injured list on May 23.[24] On July 4, it was announced that May would undergo surgery on the flexor tendon in his right elbow, as well as a Tommy John revision for a Grade 2 UCL sprain. The procedures meant he would miss the rest of the season.[25] He made nine starts during the season, with a 4–1 record and a 2.63 ERA.[13]

2024 season

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May and the Dodgers agreed to a $2.135 million contract for 2024 in salary arbitration[26] though he began the season on the 60-day injured list as he continued to recover from his surgery the previous year.[27] In July, May underwent surgery for an esophageal tear, ending his chance to return in 2024.[28] He signed with the Dodgers for $2.135 million for 2025, avoiding salary arbitration.[29]

2025 season

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May returned to a major league mound when he started for the Dodgers against the Atlanta Braves on April 1, 2025, pitching five innings with six strikeouts while allowing only one unearned run.[30] May made 18 starts for the Dodgers in 2025, with one relief appearance following a Shohei Ohtani abbreviated start. He was 6–7 with a 4.85 ERA and 97 strikeouts.[13] On July 30, the Dodgers announced that May had lost his spot in the rotation and would be shifted to a bulk relief role going forward.[31]

Boston Red Sox

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On July 31, 2025, the Dodgers traded May to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard.[32]

Pitching style

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A tall pitcher at 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), 180 lb (82 kg), May pitches with a three-quarter stance with high leg lifts both before release and at follow-through (with nobody on base). His main pitches are a two-seam fastball with sinker-like movement, which averages at over 98 mph, a cutter, a curveball, and a four-seam fastball. May was ranked fourth amongst starting pitchers in lateral movement in 2020, which is rare for a pitcher who averages over 93 mph on their two-seam fastballs or sinkers.[33]

Personal life

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May is nicknamed "Gingergaard" after pitcher and former teammate Noah Syndergaard, due to profile and appearance, as well as his red hair.[34][35][36]

May married his long-time girlfriend Amelia "Millie" Trautner on December 27, 2022.[37]

On July 10 2024, May was saved by his wife after almost choking to death when he took a bite of lettuce and felt it catch in his throat as the couple was having dinner. May knew something bad had happened, per the outlet. That evening, May went to the ER where he had emergency surgery to repair a tear in his esophagus. During his interview about the freak accident, he stated "It was definitely life and death," May said. "Like, if I hadn't gone to the hospital that night, I would not be here today. And I definitely have to thank my wife for that—for saving my life that night. Because I definitely would not have gone if I had been by myself."[38]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Dustin May (born September 6, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher known for his right-handed throwing and batting, standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. Drafted by the in the third round (101st overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Northwest High School in , May made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 2019 and quickly emerged as a promising starter. Throughout his career, May has compiled a 19-20 record with a 3.71 , 297 strikeouts, and 324 in from 2019 to 2025, including a standout 2020 rookie season where he went 3-1 with a 2.57 in 10 starts and finished fifth in National League Rookie of the Year voting. He contributed to the Dodgers' 2020 and 2025 championships through regular-season appearances. However, May's progress has been hampered by significant injuries, including elbow surgery in 2023 that limited him to just three starts, a torn requiring surgery in July 2024 that caused him to miss the entire season, and a bout of right elbow neuritis in September 2025 that placed him on the and ended his season with the Boston Red Sox. Traded to the Red Sox from the Dodgers on July 31, 2025, in exchange for prospects, May made six starts before his injury. Following the 2025 season, May became a in November 2025; as of November 15, 2025, he stated he is fully recovered from his elbow issues. Despite these setbacks, May's raw talent—highlighted by his high-velocity and sharp —positions him as a potential high-impact if he can maintain health.

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Dustin May was born on September 6, 1997, in . He grew up in this small rural town, located about 30 miles northwest of Dallas-Fort Worth, in a family consisting of one younger sister and one older half-brother. His father worked for Little Debbie, providing the family with access to snacks like Cosmic Brownies, while his mother served as an assistant principal at a local . Described as the shy child in his family, May was known for motivating himself with minimal external influence during his early years. In the quiet, rural setting of Justin—a community of fewer than 5,000 residents at the time—he spent his childhood in a low-key environment that emphasized self-reliance. This upbringing fostered a reserved personality, though May later channeled his energy into as he entered high school.

High school career and draft

Dustin May attended Northwest High School in , where he developed into a prominent prospect. As a , he showcased significant growth in his fastball velocity, starting in the 88-92 mph range during his earlier years and reaching the mid-90s by his senior season, complementing his 6-foot-6 frame that drew scout attention for its projectability. May's high school performance earned him a commitment to , but his rising stock as a draft-eligible talent led him to forgo college in favor of professional opportunities, highlighted by his raw potential and athletic build. In the , the selected him in the third round with the 101st overall pick, recognizing his upside as a . Following the draft, May signed with the Dodgers for a $997,500 bonus, exceeding the slot value and reflecting the organization's in his long-term development. This decision marked the end of his amateur career and the beginning of his professional journey, supported by his family who had encouraged his pursuit of from a young age.

Professional career

Minor league career

Following his selection by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Northwest High School in , Dustin May began his professional career in the Arizona League (AZL) Dodgers that summer. In 10 appearances (6 starts), he posted a 0-1 record with a 3.86 over 30.1 innings, striking out 34 batters while walking just 4. May made his full-season debut in 2017 with the Single-A of the , where he went 9-6 with a 3.88 in 23 starts, logging 123 and 113 strikeouts. Late in the season, he made two brief appearances with the High-A of the , allowing just 1 earned run over 11 for a 0.82 with 15 strikeouts. Across both levels, May demonstrated improved command and ground-ball tendencies, walking only 27 batters in 134 total . In 2018, May had a breakout campaign, splitting time between High-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Tulsa Drillers. With the Quakes, he recorded a 7-3 mark and 3.29 ERA in 17 starts, striking out 94 in 98.1 innings while limiting opponents to a .237 batting average. Promoted to Tulsa in July, he went 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA over 6 starts and 34.1 innings, adding 28 strikeouts. His performance earned him California League Pitcher of the Week honors in May after a dominant outing. Throughout his progression from 2016 to 2018, May compiled an 18-12 record with a 3.61 in 58 appearances (53 starts), totaling 297 and 284 strikeouts. The Dodgers emphasized his physical development, helping him increase velocity from the low-90s to consistently 93-97 mph by 2018, while refining his through specialized training camps to complement his and sinker. This focus enhanced his ground-ball rate above 50% and positioned him as a top prospect entering 2019.

Los Angeles Dodgers career

Dustin May made his major league debut on August 2, 2019, starting for the against the Padres at . In that outing, he pitched 5⅔ innings, allowing three earned runs on nine hits with three strikeouts and no walks, taking the loss in a 5-2 defeat. Following his promotion from Triple-A as part of the Dodgers' September call-ups, May transitioned primarily to a relief role for the remainder of the 2019 season. Overall, he appeared in 14 games with four starts, posting a 2-3 record, 3.63 ERA, and 32 strikeouts over 34⅔ innings. In the shortened 2020 season, May solidified his role as a starter, making 10 starts and two appearances for a total of 12 outings, where he went 3-1 with a 2.57 and 44 strikeouts in 56 . His performance contributed to the Dodgers' success, earning him a spot on the postseason roster, where he appeared in seven games across the postseason, compiling a 1-0 record with a 4.22 and 13 strikeouts over 10⅔ , including scoreless in the NLDS. The Dodgers won the that year, securing May his first championship ring; he finished fifth in National League Rookie of the Year voting. Ranked as the Dodgers' No. 2 prospect and No. 7 overall in MLB Pipeline's top 100 entering the season, May's breakout highlighted his potential as a key rotation piece. May's 2021 season was cut short by injury after just five starts, where he recorded a 1-1 mark with a 2.74 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 23 innings. On May 1, he exited a start against the Brewers with discomfort, later diagnosed as a torn UCL, leading to Tommy John surgery on May 11 performed by Dr. . The procedure sidelined him for the remainder of 2021 and most of 2022. Returning in August 2022 following rehabilitation, May made six starts, going 2-3 with a 4.50 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 30 innings, serving as a bridge back to the rotation while managing his workload. He missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing surgery in July to repair a torn sustained during a meal, a complication that arose amid his recovery from prior issues. In 2023, May made nine starts before another elbow setback on , ending his season early with a 4-1 record, 2.63 , and 34 strikeouts in 48 ; he underwent flexor repair later that year. Entering 2025 fully recovered, May earned a spot and logged 19 appearances (18 starts) prior to his July 31 trade to the Boston Red Sox, posting a 6-7 record with a 4.85 and 97 strikeouts over 104 . Across his Dodgers tenure from 2019 to mid-2025, May compiled an 18-16 record with a 3.86 , 271 strikeouts, and no saves in 65 games (52 starts) over 295⅔ . His career with the team was marked by persistent injury challenges that limited his durability but showcased flashes of ace potential when healthy.
YearTeamW-LERAGGSIPSO
2019LAD2-33.6314434.232
2020LAD3-12.57121056.044
2021LAD1-12.745523.035
2022LAD2-34.506630.029
2023LAD4-12.639948.034
2025LAD6-74.851918104.097
TotalLAD18-163.866552295.2271

Boston Red Sox career

On July 31, 2025, the traded Dustin May to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league outfield prospects James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard, as the Dodgers' pitching depth allowed them to move the right-hander while the Red Sox sought bolstering for their rotation amid a push for the playoffs. May had posted a 4.85 in 18 starts with the Dodgers earlier that season, prompting the deal as Boston aimed to add innings-eating potential to their staff. May joined the Red Sox immediately, making five starts and one relief appearance over the next month as the team clinched a wild card berth with an 89-73 record. In those outings, he struggled with command, issuing 13 walks in 28.1 innings while allowing 35 hits and five home runs, resulting in a 1-4 record, 5.40 , and 1.694 . Despite the inconsistencies, May maintained solid velocity on his sinker, averaging 95-97 mph, which generated ground balls but often led to traffic on the bases due to control issues. He recorded 26 strikeouts in that span, showing flashes of swing-and-miss ability but failing to provide the stability needed during their late-season surge. On September 9, 2025, the Red Sox placed May on the 15-day retroactive to September 6 due to right , ending his season after just his sixth appearance with the team and sidelining him for the wild card series against the New York Yankees. For the full 2025 campaign across both teams, May finished 7-11 with a 4.96 , 123 strikeouts, and 132.1 in 23 starts. Following the season, the Red Sox granted May free agency on November 2, 2025. As of November 2025, he reported being fully recovered from his injury.

Pitching style

Repertoire

Dustin May's pitching arsenal centers on a mix of fastballs and breaking pitches, with his serving as a key offering thrown at an average of 95.4 mph in 2025, featuring elite extension and 12.9 inches of induced vertical break that contributes to a 25.1% whiff rate. Although usage has varied across his career, the has been a staple for elevating strikes and setting up his other pitches, peaking at 101 mph during in 2021 following his strong 2020 rookie season where he regularly touched 99-100 mph. May's secondary pitch is his , refined after to enhance deception, now evolved into a sweeper variant thrown at 84-88 mph with exceptional spin rates up to 3424 rpm, making it his primary off-speed option for generating swing-and-miss, as evidenced by its above-average effectiveness in tunneling with his fastballs. In 2025, this breaking pitch reached a career-high usage of 39.3%, emphasizing horizontal movement of up to 18 inches to exploit right-handed hitters. Complementing these are May's other pitches, including a with 12-6 vertical break thrown at 78-82 mph and high spin exceeding 3000 rpm for sharp drop, though its usage has decreased in recent seasons to focus on the sweeper. He occasionally deploys a sinker at 93-97 mph, averaging 94.5 mph in 2025 with 33.6% usage and notable arm-side run of 18.5 inches, often to induce ground balls. His , still developing at 85-89 mph with low usage under 5%, provides occasional variety against left-handed batters but remains a tertiary option with limited deployment at 0.8% in 2025.

Mechanics and delivery

Dustin May, standing at 6-foot-6, utilizes his towering frame to generate a pronounced downhill plane on his pitches, which enhances deception by creating a steeper toward the plate. This advantage contributes to an elite release extension averaging over 7.5 feet, allowing the ball to travel effectively shorter distances to the hitter and amplifying perceived . May employs a low-three-quarters arm slot in his overhand delivery, characterized by a high leg kick and plus arm speed that imparts an effortless quality to his motion. His quick arm action, driven by efficient hip rotation, enables without excessive strain, often making his pitches appear faster due to the smooth, low-effort . Early in his career, May exhibited balance challenges, occasionally struggling to stay over his front side during delivery, which affected command and repeatability. Following his 2021 surgery, he addressed these issues through targeted adjustments, improving overall balance and mechanical consistency to enhance repeatability. These post-surgery modifications, including tweaks to reduce stress, have been credited with sustaining his athleticism and delivery reliability. The combination of May's lanky build and produces a "gravity-defying" appearance, where the pitch seems to resist typical drop due to the downhill trajectory and extension. This delivery style briefly enhances the 's effectiveness by increasing perceived rise and movement.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Dustin May was raised by his parents in , a small town northwest of . His father, Danny May, supported his early athletic pursuits, including a pivotal that influenced his baseball path. May grew up with one younger sister and one older half-brother, describing himself as the shy child in the family dynamic. May has been in a long-term relationship with Amelia "Millie" Trautner, a childhood friend from Justin whom he began dating in high school. The couple got engaged on December 11, 2020, and married on December 27, 2022, in a ceremony in . As of 2025, the couple has no children. Trautner has provided steadfast support throughout May's career milestones, including his major league debut and postseason appearances. She also played a critical role in a 2024 health incident by recognizing symptoms and urging immediate medical attention.

Health incidents

In July 2024, Dustin May suffered a life-threatening esophageal after a piece of during a with his and friends. The incident began when the lettuce lodged in his throat, causing severe that he initially dismissed as or a minor issue. However, his , Millie, insisted they visit the emergency room, where a confirmed the tear, which had been mistaken for a potential heart problem. May underwent emergency that same evening to repair the , described by medical staff as requiring extensive abdominal intervention, followed by an stay to monitor for complications such as . The procedure sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024 season, but he began his recovery process immediately, focusing on rehabilitation while dealing with the physical and emotional toll of the . By late February 2025, May returned to the mound for live batting practice during , and he received full medical clearance ahead of the Dodgers' . Throughout the ordeal, May publicly credited his Christian and family support as key sources of strength, stating that the experience deepened his spiritual journey and reliance on during the uncertainty. This non-baseball health crisis was distinct from his prior arm injuries, such as surgery. No other major personal health incidents have been reported in May's background.

References

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