Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and fan favorite Dustin May revealed that he required emergency surgery last year after experiencing a terrible mishap while eating a salad.

Unfortunately, Dustin May missed the entire 2024 season as the Dodgers cruised to their second World Series championship of the decade. May started the year on the injured list recovering from Tommy John surgery, but an awful stroke of bad luck prevented him from returning to the mound after he suffered an esophageal tear.

During an interview with Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, May revealed that he suffered an esophageal tear after eating a salad at the Dodgers’ facility in Arizona on July 10. He had to undergo emergency surgery and claims that he might have died if he didn’t have it treated right away:

“It was definitely a life-altering event. It was definitely very serious. It’s not a very common surgery. It was definitely an emergency. I probably wouldn’t have made it through the night if I didn’t have it.”

Dustin May didn’t think it was serious and relaxed when the pain disappeared. His wife Millie, however, was adamant that they go to the ER to have it looked at. Doctors completed the CT scan and got him into surgery, with May revealing that he had a lengthy scar from the chest to the stomach.

May’s long and painful journey to getting back to full health is almost over, and he told Harris that he aims to make the Opening Day roster. The Dodgers kick off their title defense with a two-game set against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan, on Mar. 18 and 19.

A Healthy Dustin May Would Make Big Difference For Dodgers

Injuries have largely derailed May’s career up to this point, as he’d played just 20 total games since the 2021 season. But with a 12-9 record, 3.10 ERA and 174 strikeouts in 191.2 innings pitched, he has displayed the ability to be a solid mid-rotation starter.

The Dodgers have the best rotation in baseball heading into 2025. And to think it could get even more dangerous if May can stay healthy.