Mar 6, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dustin May (85) returns to the dugout during the third inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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MLB Opening Day 2025: Who will be the Dodgers’ fifth starting pitcher?

Dustin May has found a spot in the stacked Dodgers' rotation.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have named Dustin May as their No. 5 starter for the upcoming season, manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Monday night. May secured the spot after Tony Gonsolin suffered a back injury while lifting weights, forcing him out of contention for the Opening Day rotation.

BREAKING: The Dodgers have named Dustin May their 5th starter to kick off the 2025 season.

May has been on a long, near 2-year journey dealing with multiple injuries as he's eyed a return to the mound. You love to see this 👏

Via @LADTerritory @realFRG pic.twitter.com/6Vr6pufSxp
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 11, 2025

Roberts emphasized that May’s strong spring performance and Gonsolin’s setback made the decision clear. “Dustin has obviously pitched well, and with Tony’s little hiccup, it just made sense,” Roberts said.

Dustin May’s comeback after two surgeries

This achievement marks a significant milestone for May, who has endured a grueling two-year journey back to the mound. His last MLB appearance came in May 2023, when he exited a start against the Minnesota Twins due to right elbow pain. Shortly after, he underwent season-ending surgery to repair his flexor tendon along with a Tommy John revision procedure.

May’s recovery was further complicated in July 2024 when he suffered a life-threatening esophageal tear while eating. Emergency surgery saved his life, but it delayed his return to baseball. Now, after overcoming both physical and medical setbacks, May is back and ready to contribute to the Dodgers’ rotation.

In three spring training outings, May has allowed three earned runs across five innings, striking out six while walking four. His most recent start was his strongest yet, as he pitched three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit with two walks and three strikeouts.

Tony Gonsolin’s setback delays return

Gonsolin, who underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2023, had been working toward a return this spring. While the Dodgers considered activating him for the postseason last year following three rehab appearances, they ultimately opted to hold him out to ensure a full recovery for 2024.

ALSO READ: Shohei Ohtani pitching update: Dodgers halt rehab, return timeline pushed back

Now, his back injury has thrown another obstacle in his path. Though Roberts did not specify the severity of the issue, Gonsolin is now ruled out of the Opening Day rotation. The timeline for his return remains unclear, but the Dodgers are hopeful the setback is only temporary.

Dodgers’ starting pitchers in 2025

With May officially locking down the No. 5 spot, the stacked Dodgers’ starting rotation now features:

Tyler Glasnow
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Walker Buehler
Bobby Miller
Dustin May

Dodgers

Dodgers 2025 opener

Dustin May

Opening Day 2025

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.