Dustin May Shines with Near-Perfect Game Against Padres

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Just Baseball Show

Highlighting Dustin May's Stellar Performance and Season Turnaround

Dustin May of the St. Louis Cardinals recently showcased an exceptional pitching performance against the San Diego Padres. May completed the game with a near-perfect effort, achieving a shutout with just one hit allowed, nine strikeouts, and one walk, all within 101 pitches. This standout game is a stark contrast to some of his performances last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox.

After a rocky 2022 season split between the Dodgers and Red Sox, May's form this year has seen noticeable improvement. His fastball velocity has increased, and adjustments to his arsenal, particularly more frequent use of an effective cutter, have enhanced his overall pitching approach. These changes have allowed May to shift away from relying predominantly on sinkers aimed at inducing ground balls—a strategy necessitated by a decrease in his strikeouts last year—back to more aggressive fastball use.

May, who signed a one-year $12.5 million deal with the Cardinals, has justified the investment with his recent performances, signaling his return to the form that once ranked him among baseball’s most promising young pitchers. His resurgence not only bolsters the Cardinals' pitching rotation but also affects his position in the market. As the season progresses, discussions about May potentially being a valuable trade asset have turned into speculations of him making a significant impact in the playoffs instead.

Aside from his prowess on the mound, another aspect of May’s season worth noting is his ability to limit home runs. After allowing 21 homers in 132 innings last season, he has significantly reduced that number, conceding only five home runs across 82 innings so far. This improvement has contributed to his impressive ERA of 2.54 after 12 starts post two initial subpar appearances.

Looking toward the future, the strategy around May could involve a qualifying offer post-season, depending on his continued success. Such a move could secure his talents for another year or, if he declines, provide the Cardinals with a compensatory pick, adding value in multiple facets. As Major League Baseball's attendance rises, retaining exciting players like May could also enhance game-day attendance at Busch Stadium, contributing to both competitive and commercial success for the Cardinals.