Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Dustin May had a difficult start against the New York Mets on Wednesday night. His outing lasted only one pitch in the first inning of the Brewers’ 8-1 victory at Citi Field. May was struck by a line drive traveling at 106 mph.
The incident occurred when May threw a 96 mph fastball to Mets center fielder A.J. Ewing. Ewing sent the ball back at May, who tried to avoid the impact. The ball ricocheted off May and went directly to third baseman David Hamilton, who managed to throw to first base and retire Ewing.
“When I threw it, it felt fine,” May explained. “But sitting there for a couple seconds after — threw the next one and it didn’t feel right. They were more on the cautious side of, better to be safe now and protect you for later.” He left the game with a bruised right scapula, though he hopes to make his next start.
After the incident, May attempted to continue. He took deep breaths, discussed with trainers and manager Pat Murphy, and threw a few warm-up pitches. However, he decided it was best not to continue. “I think it all just depends on how I feel (Thursday),” May said. “Right now, with motions and movements and stuff, feel better now that I know nothing is structurally wrong.”
May’s early exit forced the Brewers to rely on their bullpen. Murphy joked about their unexpected strategy: “We planned just using May as an opener,” he said. Robert Gasser stepped in and pitched impressively, completing 5 1/3 innings and allowing just one run. He was followed by Grant Anderson and Bryse Wilson, who pitched shutout innings.
Gasser’s performance marked his first relief outing in the major leagues. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “Definitely something I haven’t had to experience before. I didn’t even sit down out there.”
May, acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline, has been a key player for the Brewers. He holds a 6-8 record with a 4.56 ERA over 124 1/3 innings in the season so far. The Brewers aim to win the rubber match of their three-game series against the Mets, with their record standing at 82-51.
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