It was announced this past week that Los Angeles Dodgers starter Dustin May will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers announced Monday the 3rd that May will undergo surgery to repair a damaged ulnar collateral ligament. The surgery will be held on May 11 in Los Angeles and performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. 

May’s Injury Leaves Lengthy Timetable

The injury for May came early in the second inning of his start on May 1 against the Milwaukee Brewers. May threw a pitch with two outs in the second inning and immediately felt the pain. He immediately signaled for trainers to come out and was immediately taken out of the ballgame. 

“It’s very disappointing. He’s handling it like a pro, wants to figure out what’s the next step after surgery and attack it that way, but disappointed certainly,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in an interview Monday regarding the injury news.  

The surgery will force May out for all of this season and a portion of next season as well. For most pitchers, recovery after a Tommy John surgery can take anywhere from approximately 12-16 months. That is the timetable being set at the moment for May in regards to recovery. 

May Looked to Be Crucial Figure in 2021 Dodgers

May, 23, had been a crucial part to this Dodgers team and their plans going into this season. Just his start prior to the injury, May set a career high with 10 strikeouts vs the San Diego Padres on Sunday Night Baseball. 

May was similarly a crucial part to last year’s World Series-winning team. May started Game 7 of last year’s Championship Series vs Atlanta and got huge outs during the game and during the World Series versus Tampa Bay.  

What the Injury Means for the Dodgers

Unfortunately, since the May injury, the Dodgers have had to go a bulk of their starts with only four starters. Those starters, of course being Clayton Kershaw, Trevor Bauer, Walker Buehler, and Julio Urias. 

With the team also struggling recently, losing 15 of their last 20 games, the May injury seems that much more painful for the team and Dodger fans everywhere. 

Despite the injury, the team still has good news. The team is still expected to get Tony Gonsolin back from the injured list within the next month. They are also expected to get David Price back soon. 

The Dodgers look to break their recent skid with their next long homestand starting with a game on Tuesday versus Seattle.