
Dustin May – Bullpen x-factor
Dustin May is not a lock for the postseason roster although chances are that he will be part of the Dodgers’ NLDS roster. May features a power sinker in the upper 90’s and a sharp cutter in the low 90’s. He can mix in a changeup and a curveball but pitching out of the bullpen he will likely stick with his two best pitches.
Although he had an ERA of 5.11 as a reliever, Dustin seemed to figure things out in the final month of the regular season. During September, May pitched to an ERA of 2.61 while limiting opposing batters to a .237 average. Overall he was automatic against right-handed hitters holding them to a .188 average and he could be called upon to get some big outs against right-handed batters.
Dustin May pitched five innings in games that were classified as “close” and did not allow a single run while striking out nine. The opposition hit just .222 against him in close games. Expect the Dodgers to call upon May to pitch in a setup type role for the middle innings of games. With postseason adrenaline behind him, he could pound the strike zone his 98-99 MPH sinker and shut opposing teams down.