Dustin May Reflects on a Life-Changing Health Crisis During Dodgers Comeback Journey

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dustin May, at just 27, found himself on the verge of a remarkable comeback in July 2024. After undergoing surgery for a flexor tendon repair and Tommy John revision, he was eager to rejoin his team and strive for a World Series title.

However, on the evening of July 10, the trajectory of his season shifted dramatically.

A Sudden Medical Emergency

While rehabbing at the Dodgers’ Camelback Ranch facility, May sat down for a seemingly ordinary dinner. He ordered a salad, unaware that one bite would lead to a harrowing ordeal.

After taking a bite, he suddenly felt lettuce lodged in his throat. He instinctively reached for water, hoping to dislodge it. Yet, the discomfort quickly escalated into severe pain.

“For 15 minutes it was mega-painful,” May recounted, speaking publicly about the incident for the first time last week.

The Diagnosis

Initially, May assumed it would pass. “I’m not a big panicker,” he said. “It kind of chilled out. So I was like, ‘I’m fine. I don’t need to do anything.’” However, his wife Millie had other ideas.

“No,” she insisted. “We’re going to the ER to get it checked out.”

A subsequent CT scan revealed a serious tear in May’s esophagus, a rare and worrisome condition. Medical professionals rushed him into emergency surgery, as the data indicated an urgent need for intervention.

The Surgical Response

May described the surgery, which involved extensive procedures, as “basically a full abdominal surgery.” It resulted in a long scar running from his lower chest to his stomach, a physical reminder of the chaos that had abruptly entered his life.

Reflecting on this sudden twist, May expressed frustration. “You can’t plan for it. You can’t try to prevent it. It just happened,” he stated.

“It wasn’t on my bingo card for 2024,” he added, underscoring the unforeseen nature of his health crisis.

The Aftermath and Life Lessons

The experience profoundly altered May’s perspective on life and baseball. The young athlete transitioned from preparing for a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ lineup to confronting a reality that emphasized life’s fragility.

“Just seeing how something so non-baseball-related can just be like – it can be gone in a second,” May articulated, acknowledging the psychological impact on both himself and his wife. “It was definitely very scary,” he admitted.

“It was definitely a life-altering event. It was definitely very serious. It’s not a very common surgery. It was definitely an emergency,” May concluded, reflecting on the gravity of the situation.

Return to the Field

As he prepares for his return, May’s journey highlights both resilience and determination. His history with injuries includes a previous Tommy John surgery in 2021, marking this as the second major surgical procedure on his elbow.

Over five seasons in Major League Baseball, May has accumulated 191.2 innings, showcasing his effectiveness with a remarkable 3.10 ERA and 174 strikeouts when healthy. Yet, the Dodgers’ pitching rotation is filled with elite talent, leaving May’s spot uncertain even as he returns to full health.

A roster packed with aces, including Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw, presents a competitive landscape for innings. Nonetheless, May’s focus remains on his personal recovery and getting back into the game.

A Renewed Passion for the Game

Amid all the challenges, May expressed enthusiasm about his return to baseball. “I’m definitely excited and definitely have a deeper appreciation for the game,” he stated, highlighting how the ordeal transformed his outlook.

Life-threatening incidents can profoundly impact a person’s priorities, and for May, this experience may reignite his passion for the sport he loves.

As he plans his comeback for the upcoming season, Dustin May stands as an example of resilience in the face of adversity, ready to take his place again on the pitchers’ mound, both humbled and inspired.