Dustin May (28, Los Angeles Dodgers), who returned to the Major League mound after a ruptured esophagus, was thrilled about his comeback after 685 days.

On the 2nd (Korean time), May started in the home game against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, for the 2025 Major League season, pitching 5 innings with 1 hit allowed, 3 walks, 6 strikeouts, and 1 earned run (unearned), serving as a springboard for the Dodgers' 3-1 victory. With this win, the Dodgers achieved the longest season-opening winning streak in history with 7 consecutive wins as the defending World Series champions.

After 685 days since his last appearance on May 18, 2023, May made his return to the Major League mound, striking out 3 consecutive batters to start the game. In the second inning, with one out and runners on first and second, he induced a ground ball from Brian De La Cruz, but an error on shortstop Mookie Betts allowed a run to score. However, he finished the inning without further damage by getting Jared Kelenic to ground into a double play. In the 3rd inning, he found his rhythm by retiring the side in order. In the 4th and 5th innings, he allowed just one walk each and no hits.

Although he left the game trailing 0-1 and did not meet the win requirement, he fulfilled his role as a starting pitcher. He threw a total of 81 pitches, consisting of 29 sweepers, 26 sinkers, 20 four-seam fastballs, 5 cutters, and 1 changeup. His four-seam fastball reached a top speed of 97.8 mph (157.4 km/h) with an average speed of 95.4 mph (153.5 km/h).

Compared to his last outing in 2023, his average four-seam fastball speed decreased by 1.9 mph (3.1 km/h), but a lower arm angle improved his movement. His sinker’s average RPM (revolutions per minute) increased from 2368 in 2023 to 2459 today, resulting in dirtier pitches. He increased his sweeper percentage, becoming a more challenging pitcher.

According to the Los Angeles Times, "May closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and looked up at the sky. Before warming up for the first inning, he seemed to reflect on his journey over the past 685 days." It noted that "this was the first time May stood on the Dodger Stadium mound since May 18, 2023. He suffered an elbow injury that day, which required elbow flexor and Tommy John surgery. He endured a very difficult rehabilitation process for 22 months. He came close to returning in the middle of last season, but after a sudden accident during dinner in July, he had to undergo emergency surgery, ending his season. After being away for so long and experiencing a frightening accident last summer, he was simply grateful to be back on the mound."

The ruptured esophagus incident in July of last year was a significant setback for May but changed his perspective on life. At the time, he was eating a salad for dinner when a piece of lettuce got stuck in his throat, leading to discomfort and abdominal pain that required hospitalization. It was a case of "food obstruction" where a piece of lettuce pierced the esophagus.

It is a dangerous symptom that can lead to death, but fortunately, May underwent emergency surgery after a CT scan and overcame the crisis. Remembering his ruptured esophagus during spring training in February, he said, "If I hadn’t had surgery, I probably wouldn't have made it through the night. It definitely changed my life. I gained a different perspective on many things in life. Coming back to play baseball after a long time makes me appreciate the game even more."

After the game, May said, "A lot of emotions poured out. I was really happy to be back on the mound," adding, "Even if the result of today’s game hadn’t been good, I would have enjoyed it just as much. Just being on the mound has great significance." He continued, "After going through so much in the past two years, I feel like I’ve lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders. I feel at ease. Maintaining a bit more calmness has been the biggest change for me in the past six months. I just focus on the moment."

His teammate Betts said, "At first, when May mentioned the ruptured esophagus, I didn't understand what it was. It sounded unbelievable, almost like a made-up story, but it actually happened," and added, "I couldn't ask for more than what he did today. I'm happy that he's back." Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted, "May is grateful for the fact that he can pitch healthily now. He doesn't push himself as hard as he used to, and I believe his changed mindset after the ruptured esophagus will be a great help going forward."

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