In a significant development for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team faces another hurdle in their pitching rotation for the upcoming 2025 season. Manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that right-handed pitcher Tony Gulin will begin the year on the injured list due to a back injury sustained during a weightlifting workout. This setback comes as Gulin was working to regain his form after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, having only made three appearances in rehab last year.
The injury reshuffles the Dodgers’ plans, with Dustin May stepping into the fifth starter role in Gulin’s absence. May, who also missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to major surgeries, has shown promising progress since his recovery. His performance in the Cactus League was particularly noteworthy; he pitched three scoreless innings and struck out three batters, indicating that he may be ready to contribute effectively.
This unexpected change in the rotation adds to the challenges faced by the Dodgers, who have dealt with numerous injuries in recent years. The competition for the fifth starter position had been a hot topic during spring training, with Gulin, May, and Bobby Miller all vying for the spot. Gulin’s experience had made him the frontrunner, but the latest injury has opened the door for May, who will remain in Arizona for final adjustments leading up to his first official game on April 1st.
Both pitchers have faced considerable obstacles in their recoveries. While Gulin is now confronted with another hurdle, May’s return to the rotation marks a significant milestone in his career. May’s complex recovery involved not only Tommy John surgery but also an emergency surgery following a ruptured esophagus, which occurred after he ingested a piece of lettuce.
The Dodgers’ coaching staff will closely monitor Gulin’s progress, hoping that this latest injury will not severely delay his return to the mound. As the season approaches, questions linger regarding the Dodgers’ new rotation configuration. Is Dustin May ready to assume the fifth spot, or should the team seek additional reinforcements? Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how this situation unfolds as the Dodgers prepare for another competitive season in Major League Baseball.