The Dodgers got a huge boost Tuesday night as Dustin May returned to the mound and dominated the Braves in his first appearance since 2023.
May, 27, was nothing short of brilliant against Atlanta, tossing five scoreless innings while striking out six, allowing just one hit and walking three. It’s the kind of performance that reminds everyone why the Dodgers have been so patient with the talented right-hander despite his injury history.
The flame-throwing righty has never made more than 14 appearances in a season for Los Angeles, but when he’s healthy, he’s shown elite potential. Tuesday’s outing wasn’t just about reclaiming his spot in the rotation – it might have been an audition for other teams as well.
That’s because the Dodgers’ rotation will soon face a logjam. With Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, and Tony Gonsolin all working their way back from injuries, May could find himself as the odd man out. He’s also in the final year of his contract, making him a potential trade chip.
The Chicago Cubs might be a perfect landing spot. Athlon’s Jon Conahan identified Chicago as a logical destination given their thin rotation and deep farm system.
“While it might not be fair to move on from (May), considering he’s done nothing but throw the baseball at an above-average level when he’s healthy, there isn’t much room for him on the current roster. The Dodgers have a deep rotation, and May could be the odd man out in it,” Conahan wrote.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
“There are a few teams that could use him, including the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have a need for a right-handed starter, and after a quiet opening series (against) the Arizona Diamondbacks, it’s clear they could use another top end arm.”
May’s $2.1 million salary makes him particularly attractive to the Cubs, who tend to be more budget-conscious than other big-market teams. With Chicago adding superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker and clearly pushing their chips in for 2024, a rental like May makes a lot of sense.
The Dodgers don’t have to trade May, of course. But if they’re looking at a future where he’s relegated to bullpen duties or spot starts, moving him might be the best option for both sides. What’s clear after Tuesday’s performance is that May still has the stuff to be a difference-maker in a starting rotation – whether that’s in Los Angeles or somewhere else.
