Dodgers: Watch Dustin May Strikeout the Side in the First inning of MLB Return
After a very successful summer of rehab and a few minor league starts, Roberts and the Dodgers organization was ready to get Dustin May back on the mound in the big leagues.
The 24-year-old returned to the mound for the first time in 15 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021. He even got to do it in his home stadium in Los Angeles in front of thousands of fans who have long awaited the return of Code Red.
Watch him collect his first strikeout in 476 days with a filthy slider to Marlins leadoff man Jon Berti:
Dustin May strikes out the side in his first inning back. Command was understandably off at times, but Code Red is as FILTHY as ever
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) August 21, 2022
After that strikeout, May went on to collect 6 more and finished out a scoreless 5 innings allowing only one hit. He even reached 99 MPH in the first inning.
Here is a recap of his night:
Dustin May absolutely shoved in his first big league start in almost 16 months:
? 5.0 IP
? 1 H
? 0 ER
? 9 K
? 2 BB
? 13 Whiffs
? Struck out half the batters he faced (50% K rate)
? Retired final 13 batters
? 71 pitches— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) August 21, 2022
Immediately following his outing, fans turned to Twitter to share their excitement for the righty’s return. Here’s a few things they shared:
Nothing can offset the loss of Buehtane, but Code Red gives the Dodgers a high octane arm to lengthen the playoff rotation. Code Red is a pocket ace at a most crucial time. If Kershaw recovers, the Dodgers will have 5 solid starters for the playoff run! Go Big Blue!!! pic.twitter.com/Mg0mIUrWml
— 42FOREVER (@pwalia10969) August 21, 2022
He’s a stud and he has shown it. our team just got a lot better it’s only on the up and up from here on out once we get our other key players back in that bullpen ????
— Roque Bautista (@RoqueBautista13) August 21, 2022
Last season before his injury, May was rolling with a 2.74 ERA with 35 Ks through 23 IP. And this year during his time in OKC, he was “absolutely shoved” – 36 strikeouts across 21 innings pitched. He boasted a 1.71 ERA across his 6 game starts and proved he was ready to return to the scene.
The Dodgers went on to win 7-0 against the Miami Marlins that night and will play for the chance to sweep the series Sunday afternoon.
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