July 31 is right around the corner, and the whispers are getting louder. Rumors aren’t just backstage banter anymore. They’re now coming from the mound, at least for the Dodgers. Just when it looked like the bullpen was finally coming together, this pitcher might have found his new cleats and played his last game with the Boys in Blue.
He is right-handed and throws rockets. His four-seamer goes 97–98 mph on average, and even his sinker goes 95–99 mph on the radar, up from 88–92 mph in high school. He signed a one-year, $2.135 million deal with the Dodgers. And lately, his name has been swirling in trade chatter.
That righty is Dustin May. Recently, on AM 570 KLAC Dodgers Radio for Los Angeles, David Vassegh provided an update that May might have played his last game on the 21st against the Twins. He shared his observation, “I saw Dustin May after the game last night, taking photos with his wife on the field. And you know, his name has come up in trade rumors. And that very well could have been the last time Dustin May pitched at Dodger Stadium wearing a Dodger uniform, because the trade deadline will be on July 31.”
David Vassegh just said we probably saw the last of Dustin May in a Dodger uniform pic.twitter.com/FCwJCCgd40
— Chuy (@LethalCashChuy) July 23, 2025
This season has been a roller coaster ride for May. Marking his comeback on the mound after undergoing right elbow surgeries, including a Tommy John revision and flexor repair, he has a 4.73 ERA across 17 starts and a WHIP of 1.36. And in his last six outings before this week, he had an ERA around 6. So, Dave Roberts moved him to a bullpen role for a spell behind Shohei Ohtani for a short time.
Now, it won’t be a surprise if he is traded, given that his contract is ending and the inconsistency in his performance. However, it’s uncertain whether the observation was accurate or just a fleeting impression. If it’s in fact true, the key question is how the Dodgers will manage their rotation. They have their two-way solution: Shohei Ohtani.
Recently, when Roberts was questioned if Ohtani can throw 4 innings, he was pretty straightforward. “He’s on track to go four next time. I am assuming that comes in tomorrow, and the days after it feels good. I am not sure exactly what day we have got them scheduled, but it will be four innings.”
The Dodgers are juggling. Ohtani’s slow rise to being a four-inning starter and the opening of a trade window for May as the rotation gets back on track. Will they keep him as a multi-inning swing arm until October, or will they deal him now to help them win the title?
But now, the Dodgers have yet another issue to deal with.
Scott’s injury adds pressure: Dodgers scramble ahead of July 31st
The Dodgers’ bullpen just encountered another bump in the road. Their lefty Tanner Scott went on the 15-day IL because of discomfort in his left elbow. It’s a big loss for a bullpen that is already missing important pitchers like Kopech, Graterol, and Phillips.
But the manager is hopeful, stating that Scott’s pain felt more like a “sting sensation” than a long-term problem.
credits: MLB.COM
Scott, in his first year of a four-year, $72 million contract, has 19 saves, along with seven blown saves, tied for the most in MLB. With a 4.14 ERA, his absence complicates Los Angeles’s late-game strategy. They have to strengthen the bullpen before the July 31 trade deadline.
The Dodgers quickly summoned up Alexis Díaz from Triple-A Oklahoma City after Scott got hurt. It’s evident that they’re getting ready without their best closer. And they might even make a trade—maybe for high-leverage relievers—before the deadline. GM Brandon Gomes said that Scott’s injury “hasn’t necessarily changed” their plans, although he did say that they need more help.
Time is running out. If Scott’s MRI shows more than minor inflammation, the Dodgers will need to decide whether to stick with their current options or seek experienced pitchers for the ninth inning. With the trade deadline in a week, this decision could impact the bullpen’s late-season performance.
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