Dodgers Interview: May gratified, but not satisfied after dominating Sox

LOS ANGELES — It wasn’t just Dustin May’s best outing of the year—it was the deepest he’s ever gone into a major league game. And while the two-run homer he allowed in the eighth inning Thursday night might’ve left a sour taste, the Dodgers right-hander was more focused on the positives and the process after L.A.’s 6–2 win over the White Sox.

“I just tried to stay in a three-foot world,” May said postgame, repeating a phrase that’s clearly become a personal mantra. “I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career. I don’t try to look too far ahead. Just stay one pitch at a time.”

“Today Was Better”

After a rough start in Kansas City, May came into Thursday’s game looking to reset—and he delivered, retiring the first 16 batters he faced and allowing just two runs over 7 1/3 innings. He struck out nine, walked one, and needed only 86 pitches in one of the most efficient starts of his young career.

“Today was better,” he said, understated as always. “Better command. The guys made some really good plays, and the offense put up some runs early. That allowed me to just go out and throw.”

The early run support, highlighted by Freddie Freeman’s two doubles and three RBIs, gave May breathing room. But even with the lead, he didn’t coast—he attacked.

“I just wanted to get ahead and attack,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to do too much. I was just trying to pitch.”

First Time Through the Eighth—and Almost the Finish Line

For the first time in his big league career, May began the eighth inning. But after starting Brooks Baldwin 0–2, he left a pitch over the plate, and Baldwin didn’t miss—sending it over the wall for a two-run shot. May’s reaction said it all.

“It was a shitty pitch. Shitty location,” May said bluntly. “Felt like I could’ve got out of it. But he battled, and I lost.”

Even with a six-run cushion at that point, the fiery right-hander wasn’t letting himself off the hook.

“I was upset because I didn’t execute,” he added. “That’s the part that stings.”

Staying Present, One Pitch at a Time

When asked if he’d started thinking about the possibility of a complete game—or something even bigger—as he cruised through five perfect innings, May shook his head.

“No, I mean, it was going smooth,” he said. “But I wasn’t thinking about that. Just trying to go as deep as I could. I’ve learned not to look too far ahead. Just focus on the next pitch.”

The approach is hard-earned. May’s career has been interrupted by Tommy John surgery, a serious esophagus issue, and ongoing work to rebuild his form. But in 2025, he’s quietly become one of the Dodgers’ most reliable starters—and his ability to stay in rhythm could be the key to the rotation’s second-half success.

Embracing the Workhorse Role

With the Dodgers’ rotation hit hard by injuries this season, May has emerged as a steadying force. He’s taken the ball every fifth day, thrown deeper into games than ever before, and handled the pressure without fanfare.

Still, he downplayed any narrative about “carrying” the team.

“No, I don’t feel like I’m picking anyone up,” he said. “I just feel like I’m doing my job.”

But that job has become more valuable by the week.

May now leads the staff in innings pitched, starts, and quality outings. And he’s doing it with a calm confidence that wasn’t always visible in previous seasons.

“Confidence is high,” he admitted. “I haven’t missed a start—knock on wood. And I’ve given them a chance to win in a lot of my outings. That’s a good thing. Just going to try and build off this one.”

Final Thoughts

On a night that saw the Dodgers’ offense break through and the bullpen stay fresh, Dustin May’s performance was the foundation. It was the kind of start that playoff teams remember, the kind that reminds fans why the Dodgers have stayed patient with him through injury after injury.

It wasn’t perfect. But it was May at his most complete.

And if this is what’s coming in the second half of the season, the rest of the National League better be on notice.

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