Although the Los Angeles Dodgers managed a narrow 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, the result left mixed feelings. The focus was not on the offense that rescued the game, but on the performance of starting pitcher Dustin May, who again showed worrying signs from the mound.
May, 27, went into the game looking to make amends after some inconsistent outings. However, his performance again fell short of expectations: he allowed four earned runs, walked three and was only able to complete four innings. It was his shortest start of the season and his ERA rose to 4.68. At the end of the game, the pitcher himself did not hide his frustration. “It sucks to have to go out and pitch badly,” he told the media honestly. “But at least our guys were able to score some runs.”
Manager Dave Roberts also spoke about May’s performance. Although he acknowledged that the team did not back him up defensively, he made it clear that the situation is beginning to cause concern. “Obviously, tonight Dustin wasn’t sharp,” he said. “But he competed and gave us a chance to win.” Despite the verbal backing, Roberts’ tone reflected that patience with the pitcher may be running thin.
It’s not just words, statistics are also a concern
Beyond words, the numbers speak for themselves. May has walked 13 batters in his last four starts, and has already surpassed the total innings pitched in the entire previous season. The physical and mental wear and tear seems to be affecting his performance, and doubts about his place in the rotation are beginning to grow.
When asked if May could be pitching for his spot in the rotation once injured starters return, Roberts hesitated. “I don’t know. Personally, I don’t look too much at effectiveness… but there have been unnecessary walks and some poorly located pitches,” he replied. That pause, more than his words, hinted that the margin for error is narrowing.
In a rotation full of talent and with postseason aspirations, internal competition is fierce. Continuity is not given away, it is earned with results. And while May has shown the talent to be a key piece, his present generates more questions than certainties.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers offense continues to be the team’s lifeline. Once again, the bats responded at the right time to reverse an adverse score and secure victory. However, if the team is to go far in October, it will need more stability from the mound.
The situation of Dustin May will be one of the focuses to follow in the coming weeks. His ability to recover and rediscover his best form could be crucial in the Dodgers’ fortunes this season.
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