A salad cost Dodgers’ Dustin May his season — and almost his life

Dodgers pitcher Dustin May shared that he was on the brink of joining his team’s 2024 World Series journey when a sudden and unfortunate accident changed everything. In July, May had to undergo emergency surgery for a severe tear in his esophagus, stemming from getting a piece of lettuce stuck in his throat during a dinner outing.

May, who had previously undergone flexor tendon and Tommy John surgeries in 2023, was in the midst of rehab at the Dodgers’ Camelback Ranch facility in Arizona when the incident occurred. The emergency surgery dashed his hopes of returning to the Dodgers’ bullpen for the World Series.

Reflecting on the ordeal, May described it as a life-altering event that required immediate attention to save his life. Despite feeling the lettuce stuck in his throat and experiencing intense pain, he initially thought he would be fine after the discomfort subsided.

It was May’s wife, Millie, who insisted he seek medical help, leading to a full abdominal surgery to repair the tear in his esophagus caused by the food impaction. The surgery left May with a prominent scar from his lower chest to his stomach.

The recovery process was challenging, with six months of restricted activities and a slow return to full strength by the New Year. May emphasized how the incident gave him a new perspective on life and the unpredictability of unforeseen events.

Despite the setback, May is now focused on preparing for the upcoming opening series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. He has been gradually increasing his training activities and is determined to make a strong comeback for the Dodgers.

May’s resilience and determination shine through as he works towards regaining his form and making a mark in the upcoming season. His journey is a testament to the unpredictability of life and the strength needed to overcome unexpected challenges.