Dodgers Trade Dustin May to Red Sox Amidst Starting Pitcher Competition. The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded pitcher Dustin May to the boston Red Sox, receiving outfielder James Tibbs III and Zach Airhard in return.The move comes as May, who has undergone two surgeries on his right elbow since 2021, has struggled to regain his previous form this season, posting a 4.85 ERA in 19 appearances.
According to Fabian Aldaya of The Athletic, May’s current season, while his healthiest since his surgeries, has been his least triumphant. Aldaya noted that while May’s raw power remains, his velocity has dipped, with his four-seam fastball averaging 95.5 mph, a decrease from his pre-surgery averages. His sweeper still exhibits significant spin, and his sinker retains its sharp downward movement.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, May’s performance and impending free agency made him a focal point leading up to the trade deadline. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had previously indicated that May was in contention for a starting rotation spot, alongside right-hander Emmett Sheehan, and potentially competing with Blake Snell, who was expected to return from the injured list.
Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes acknowledged May’s significant contributions to the team. “From talking to him, it was clear that starting pitchers where very important to him,” Gomes stated. However, he also suggested that May’s skillset could have been utilized in a relief role, indicating a potential difference in viewpoint on his optimal usage. Gomes denied that May had requested a trade, characterizing the transaction as a mutually agreed-upon decision where the team was “open to remaining open as a team” if a suitable trade emerged.
