Dustin May's Successful Return:: After nearly two years away due to elbow surgeries and a life-threatening esophageal tear, May pitched five strong innings, allowing only one unearned run and striking out six against the Atlanta Braves.
Historic Start for Dodgers:: The team's 7-0 start matches the 1933 New York Yankees for the best season start by a reigning World Series champion. It's also the franchise's best start since moving to Los Angeles in 1958.
Resilient Performance:: The Dodgers achieved this streak despite playing across continents (Japan), facing top pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale, and occasionally missing stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman from the lineup.
Betts Delivers:: Mookie Betts hit a crucial go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning against his former teammate Chris Sale, overcoming an earlier fielding error.
Why this matters: May's comeback adds significant depth and high-end talent to an already formidable Dodgers rotation. The team's ability to win consistently under pressure, even without hitting on all cylinders, signals their focus and resilience as they defend their title.
Dustin May's journey back to the Dodger Stadium mound was fraught with significant challenges. His last appearance was on May 17, 2023, before requiring surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon, following a previous Tommy John surgery in 2021. As he neared a return last summer, a freak incident occurred: a piece of lettuce lodged in his throat caused a severe esophageal tear, requiring emergency surgery and ending his 2024 season before it began. Doctors noted he sought help just in time. May described the experience as life-altering, giving him a new perspective and gratitude for being able to play again.
The Dodgers' 7-0 start isn't just impressive; it's historic. Tying the legendary 1933 Yankees (featuring Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig) places this start among the best ever for a defending champion. They've demonstrated solid pitching (2.25 team ERA, 4th in MLB) and clutch hitting (.864 OPS with runners in scoring position, 7th in MLB) despite lineup adjustments and early challenges. Manager Dave Roberts credits the team's ability to "reset" daily, while players like Mookie Betts and newcomer Michael Conforto emphasize the ingrained hunger to win every day, refusing to rest on last season's laurels.
May's emotional return, striking out the side in the first inning, provided an early spark. Though the Braves scored an unearned run following a Betts error, Betts later redeemed himself with the game-winning homer, showcasing the team's ability to overcome adversity within games. The victory against the Braves solidified the Dodgers' perfect record and left Atlanta as MLB's only winless team at the time (0-6).
How long was Dustin May out before his return?
Dustin May was out for 685 days, nearly 22 months. His last MLB start before his return was May 17, 2023.
What injuries did Dustin May overcome?
May recovered from right elbow surgery (flexor tendon repair and a Tommy John revision) and a life-threatening esophageal tear caused by eating lettuce.
How significant is the Dodgers' 7-0 start?
It ties the 1933 New York Yankees for the best start by a reigning World Series champion and is the third-best start in Dodgers franchise history (including their time in Brooklyn).
Dustin May's return is a significant boost to the Dodgers' pitching staff, adding a high-impact arm with 'devastating' stuff.
The Dodgers are demonstrating early-season dominance and resilience, proving they are focused on defending their championship despite high expectations and roster star power.
The team's ability to win close games and overcome challenges bodes well for their long-term season goals.
Dustin May's comeback is truly remarkable. What are your expectations for him this season? Do you think the Dodgers can maintain this incredible momentum?
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ESPN: Dodgers' 7-0 start ties 1933 Yanks as May returns target="_blank"
Yahoo Sports: After cheating death, Dodgers pitcher Dustin May makes his way back to the mound a changed man target="_blank"
MLB.com: May's emotional return from life-threatening ordeal fuels LA's record start to season target="_blank"
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