The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2025 season with a star-studded starting rotation, featuring Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki as firm locks. However, the battle for the fifth and final spot has been an ongoing discussion.
On Monday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made the much-anticipated announcement regarding the team's rotation.
"As far as the fifth starter, I think it's Dustin because he's pitched well, getting back. Tony with the little hiccup, just not being able to build up, I think Dustin makes a lot of sense," Roberts stated.
This means Dustin May will complete the Dodgers' rotation as they gear up for the 2025 campaign.
May’s Remarkable Comeback
Dustin May’s return to the majors is nothing short of inspiring. The right-hander was last seen in action during the 2023 season before undergoing Tommy John surgery in May, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
However, an unexpected and life-threatening incident further delayed his comeback. In July 2024, May suffered an esophageal tear that required emergency surgery—a consequence of choking on a piece of bad salad. This freak accident forced him into an extended recovery period.
After months of rehabilitation, May made his much-awaited return to the mound this spring and impressed the coaching staff enough to secure a place in the rotation.
Dodgers’ Plans for the Tokyo Series
For the second consecutive year, the Dodgers will kick off their regular season with an international series. In 2024, they faced the San Diego Padres in Seoul. This time, they will take on the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series, scheduled for March 18 and 19.
Dave Roberts confirmed that the Dodgers will rely on their Japanese aces to headline the series.
"I think it's fair to say that Yamamoto's gonna pitch that first one," Roberts said. "With Roki … the plan is for him to pitch there. We'll figure out when. A lot of it is more contingent on the unknown of how he responds to Spring Training and his buildup, and we just want to make sure that he's in a good position and feels good about when he pitches."
Once the team returns to the U.S., reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell is expected to take the mound for the home opener against the Detroit Tigers on March 27 at Dodger Stadium.
With an elite rotation in place, the Dodgers appear poised for another dominant season as they set their sights on championship glory.