The Los Angeles Dodgers have been facing a tough decision when it comes to their starting rotation for the upcoming season. With a deep pool of talented pitchers to choose from, it’s been a battle to see who will secure the coveted final spot. However, one name has emerged as a favorite and it may come as a surprise to some fans – Dustin May.
In a recent interview on Dodgers Dougout Live, team insider José Mota made his prediction for the final rotation spot, stating, “Tough call but I think overall if somebody has the edge in my opinion, I think it’s Dustin May.” This is a bold statement considering the competition May is up against, but it’s not without good reason.
For those who have been following the Dodgers closely, the mention of May as a top contender for the rotation spot may not come as a complete shock. The 22-year-old right-hander has been a highly-rated prospect in the Dodgers organization since being drafted in 2016. With a fastball that can reach up to 98 mph and a devastating breaking ball, May has shown great potential and promise on the mound.
However, injuries have been a major setback for May in his young career. He missed most of the 2020 season due to a right foot contusion and then suffered a right arm injury during the playoffs. This has raised concerns among fans and experts about his durability and ability to handle a full season in the major leagues.
But despite these setbacks, May has continued to impress the Dodgers’ coaching staff and his teammates. In his limited appearances last season, he showed great command and poise on the mound, earning a 2.57 ERA and striking out 44 batters in just 56 innings pitched. This has not gone unnoticed by manager Dave Roberts, who has praised May’s work ethic and determination.
It’s clear that May has the talent and potential to be a key player in the Dodgers’ rotation. And with the recent trade of Kenta Maeda to the Minnesota Twins, there is even more room for him to make his mark. But what sets May apart from the other contenders for the final rotation spot?
One of the main reasons May may have the edge is his versatility. Not only can he start games, but he has also shown the ability to come out of the bullpen, making him a valuable asset for the Dodgers. With a crowded rotation, having a pitcher who can fill different roles is a major advantage, especially in a season where injuries and workload management may play a bigger factor than ever before.
Another factor that may work in May’s favor is his age and potential for growth. At just 22 years old, he still has a lot of room for development and improvement. The Dodgers have a history of nurturing young talent and helping them reach their full potential, and May could be the next success story.
Of course, there are other strong contenders for the final rotation spot, such as Tony Gonsolin and Julio Urías. But May’s combination of talent, versatility, and potential may just give him the edge he needs to secure the spot.
Dodgers fans may have mixed feelings about the decision to give May the final rotation spot. Some may be excited about the prospect of seeing him in action and others may have concerns about his injury history. But one thing is for sure, if May does get the nod, he will have the full support of his team and the Dodgers’ faithful.
Injuries may have hindered May’s progress in the past, but if he can stay healthy and consistent, there’s no telling what he can achieve. And with the Dodgers’ strong lineup and championship aspirations, having a young and talented pitcher like May in the rotation could be the key to success.
In conclusion, while the battle for the final rotation spot may be tough, it seems that Dustin May has emerged as the favorite to secure it. And with his talent, versatility, and potential, it’s not hard to see why. Dodgers fans should be excited about the prospect of seeing May on the mound, and if he can overcome his injury-prone past, he could be a major factor in the team’s success this season.
