Dodgers: Three Dodgers who could be postseason x-factors

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 20: A general view as the Chicago Cubs take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 20, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 20: A general view as the Chicago Cubs take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 20, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 26: Dustin May #85 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the first inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 26, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

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.

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