Dodgers: Dustin May to get a start on the upcoming road trip

Prior to Wednesday game against the Blue Jays, Dave Roberts announced that Dustin May would return to the Dodgers’ starting rotation.

Dustin May is not done starting for the Dodgers yet as Dave Roberts announced before Wednesday’s game that Dustin May’s next appearance would come in a start on the upcoming road trip.  The Dodgers begin a seven-game road trip on Monday that will see them visit the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Although May is returning to the rotation, it may just be for a spot start as Roberts also said that Dustin would also make some relief appearances on the trip.  It seems to be one more spot start to give the rotation an extra day off.  The Dodgers’ next off day is not until September 5th, which will end a streak of sixteen straight days without a day off.

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Dustin last appeared in a game on Sunday as he pitched two innings out of the bullpen and allowed four runs on a grand slam.  May could not put away hitters as he had several batters down to two strikes but then allowed them to get on base.  At least for one more start, Dustin May will show the Dodgers he should return to the rotation permanently.

With Rich Hill still questionable to return as a starting pitcher, the playoff rotation is unlikely to be finalized until the last week of the season.  Despite his rough outing as a reliever, Dustin May has made three starts for the Dodgers and pitched to an ERA of 2.65 across three starts.  His last two starts he pitched 5 2/3 innings in each outing and allowed just one earned run.

As the Dodgers head into September it remains to be seen who they keep in their rotation outside of Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Walker Buehler.  Kenta Maeda is expected to shift to the bullpen for the postseason and at some point, in September he should begin that transition.  Ross Stripling is also going to return in September and Rich Hill will follow his return.

At least for his next appearance, Dustin May will return to the rotation and make a start against either the Padres or the Diamondbacks.  After that start, he is expected to go back to the bullpen although the Dodgers seem to be changing their plans on the fly lately.  May threw a simulated game on Wednesday to prepare for his upcoming start.