Dodgers: Three options for expanded roster spots

Dustin May

Entering camp, the overwhelming consensus was that the number two prospect in the Dodgers’ system was slated to begin the year in Triple-A. After all, the rotation was fairly set and Los Angeles wanted to make sure that Dustin May continues to start. They don’t want him to get used to relieving and want to keep him stretched out for an eventual call-up.

With expanded rosters and the potential lack of days off or double-headers, the Dodgers could technically go with a six-man rotation if they want to keep everyone rested. This would allow May to slot into a rotation spot, even a sliding one if the Dodgers want to keep Kershaw and Buehler on only five days rest.

The right-hander has certainly earned the right to be given a look at claiming such a spot as well. A third-round pick in 2016, May made short work of the minor leagues, making him MLB debut in 2019 after going 6-5 with a 3.38 ERA, a 1.134 WHIP, and a 9.3 K/9 over 106.2 innings split between the hitter-friendly Texas and Pacific Coast Leagues. He would end up making 14 appearances (4 starts) in Dodger Blue a season ago, going 2-3 with a 3.63 ERA, a 2.90 FIP, and a 8.31 K/9 ratio as a 21-year-old.

While his ZIPS projection of 9-7 with a 4.08 ERA, a 4.18 FIP, and a K/9 of 8.21 may be a bit generous, especially considering they estimate him making 33 appearances (25 starts), it shows the kind of faith the Dodgers likely have in May and his eventual place with the team. If he gets two to three good starts in while the rosters are expanded, it may be difficult for the Dodgers to send him back down when things revert.