Dodgers Retain on $2.1 Million Deal Amid Injury Challenges
The Los Angeles Dodgers endured a tumultuous season in 2024, plagued by pitching injuries across their roster. Despite high-profile acquisitions like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, injuries derailed their contributions. Ohtani, recovering from Tommy John surgery, didn’t pitch all season, while Yamamoto also missed significant time.
Key contributors such as Walker Buehler and Tyler Glasnow faced struggles of their own. Buehler battled throughout the regular season, and Glasnow’s lingering injuries kept him out during crucial stretches. However, the Dodgers are poised to strengthen their pitching staff with the retention of Dustin May.
On Friday evening, The Athletic‘s Fabian Ardaya reported, “The Dodgers and Dustin May settled at $2.135 million to avoid arbitration.” The agreement marks a step forward for May, whose career has been hampered by injuries but who remains a high-potential asset for Los Angeles.
May’s 2023 season was cut short after undergoing surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right arm. Before his injury, he showcased his talent over nine starts, pitching 48 innings with a 2.63 ERA and a WHIP under 1.00. However, his comeback plans for 2024 were derailed by another setback—a torn esophagus that required surgery, sidelining him for the entirety of the season.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers have shown confidence in May’s ability to rebound, securing him for the 2025 season. The 26-year-old right-hander has demonstrated flashes of brilliance when healthy, and the team hopes he can be a key contributor to their pitching rotation moving forward.
The decision to retain May aligns with the Dodgers’ strategy of leveraging their existing talent pool while navigating an injury-laden roster. With several pitchers expected to return from extended absences, May’s recovery and potential impact will be closely watched as Los Angeles looks to solidify its staff.
For May, the $2.1 million deal represents an opportunity to regain form and prove his worth as a vital piece of the Dodgers’ future. If he can stay healthy, his electric arm could provide a significant boost to a team eager to overcome the setbacks of a challenging 2024 season.
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