Dustin May’s Rough Start Ends Early After Line Drive Injury

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Dustin May faced a challenging start on Wednesday night with an abrupt end after just one pitch. In the Brewers’ 8-1 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field, May was hit by a line drive traveling at 106 mph. This early misfortune occurred during the bottom of the first inning.

The 28-year-old right-hander delivered a 96 mph fastball to Mets center fielder A.J. Ewing. Unfortunately, the ball rebounded off May, who attempted to protect himself from the fast-approaching liner. The ball swiftly redirected to third baseman David Hamilton, who quickly threw to first base, retiring Ewing. Despite achieving an out, May’s pain was evident.

After the line drive struck him, May hunched over and clutched his injury, prompting team trainers to rush to his side. He took deep breaths and attempted a few warm-up pitches after consulting with the training staff and manager Pat Murphy. However, May did not feel comfortable continuing.

When I threw it, it felt fine,” May said. “But sitting there for a couple seconds after – threw the next one and it didn’t feel right. They were more on the cautious side of, better to be safe now and protect you for later.

He left the game with a bruised right scapula but remains hopeful about starting the next game. “It all depends on how I feel Thursday,” said May. “Right now, with motions and movements, I feel better knowing nothing is structurally wrong.”

Manager Pat Murphy had to utilize the bullpen much earlier than anticipated, turning to his relievers for the remaining 26 outs. “We planned just using May as an opener,” Murphy joked. “Parts of six for Gasser – great, really great. Made big pitches at big times.”

Robert Gasser filled May’s role effectively, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing only one run. Grant Anderson and Bryse Wilson followed from the bullpen, conceding just three hits over 3 1/3 scoreless innings. This marked Gasser’s first relief appearance in his MLB career. “Definitely something I haven’t had to experience before,” he remarked.

The Brewers acquired May from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline, expecting him to enhance their performance in critical games. With 25 starts this season, May holds a 6-8 record and a 4.56 ERA in 124 1/3 innings. The Brewers, currently at 82-51, are keen to win the series against the Mets (60-73). The final game is scheduled for Thursday at 7:10 p.m. ET.