Dodgers P Dustin May dominates in first start since 2021

Dustin May dominated for five innings in his return from Tommy John surgery, Will Smith and Justin Turner hit three-run homers and the Los Angeles Dodgers rolled to a 7-0 victory Saturday over the Miami Marlins.

In his first big league start since May 2021, May gave up just one hit, struck out nine and walked two. He retired his last 13 batters.

The 24-year-old righty with the long, red hair, who showed exceptional promise in parts of the last three seasons, gave signs that he could be a key contributor down the stretch and into the playoffs for the team with the best record in the majors.

“He struck a guy out to end the third, fourth inning with a slider and he was upset, thinking that’s the pitch that should be there all the time,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And he’s his toughest critic. But taking everything into account, I think that we were all pleased. I’m sure he’s going to poke holes in his outing but he was really good.”

May’s return came after the Dodgers learned Monday that right-hander Walker Buehler (elbow) will need to undergo surgery and would be out for the remainder of the season. May joins a rotation that includes Julio Urías, Tony Gonsolin, Tyler Anderson, Andrew Heaney and an injured Clayton Kershaw (15-day IL).

“We have a lot of great guys on this team and a lot of guys who can pick each other up, so I’m just going to go out and do my thing and not put extra pressure on myself,” May said. “I’ve felt like myself for the last few (rehab) outings and going into this one it was the same.”

Freddie Freeman also drove in a run for the Dodgers, who extended their home winning streak to eight games.

It was a rocky day for the Marlins, who first scratched scheduled starter Braxton Garrett because of an oblique strain.

Manager Don Mattingly gave Bryan Hoeing (0-1) the start in his major league debut, but the right-hander was tagged for seven runs and eight hits in three innings.

“I think he has to use it to be able to move forward, see what works, what doesn’t,” Mattingly said. “I think it’s one of those things that this league is the best teacher you have. It teaches you what to do and if you can’t do it, it teaches you that. But it was his first outing.”

The Marlins managed just three hits, with Jon Berti getting two of them, as they lost for the seventh time in their last nine games.

May wobbled early, giving up a single to Miami’s Joey Wendle on his third pitch. After Wendle stole second base, May walked JJ Bleday and Brian Anderson on eight consecutive balls but struck out Nick Fortes to end the threat.

“I don’t think he was too hyped up,” Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes said. “He might have been inside, but I don’t think he showed it too much. It was good to see (him recover) and we’re glad to have him back.”

The Dodgers did what the Marlins could not, by cashing in an early opportunity. Trea Turner and Freeman singled in the first inning and Smith followed with his 18th home run.

Hoeing faced the minimum three batters in the second inning but was hit hard again in the third. Mookie Betts, Trea Turner and Freeman all singled to open the inning, with Freeman driving in a run for a 4-0 lead.

After Hoeing got a sense of revenge on Smith with a strikeout, Justin Turner hit his three-run home run to left, his ninth on the season.

Reporting by the Associated Press