An alarming incident occurred during a Major League Baseball game on Wednesday night, resulting in a quick exit for the starting pitcher. Milwaukee Brewers’ Dustin May had a brief appearance as his first pitch turned out to be his last.
In the first inning, New York Mets center fielder A.J. Ewing hit a 95.8 mph sinker directly back at May. Despite turning his body, May was struck in the back by the ball, which had accelerated to 106 mph coming off Ewing’s bat. The ‘Foul Territory’ podcast shared on social media that the ball impacted May’s right shoulder. Third baseman David Hamilton retrieved the ball and threw it to first base, successfully getting Ewing out.
May knelt on the grass in visible pain, tended by the training staff, and appeared to struggle with breathing due to the injury. Reports from the Associated Press indicated he attempted to continue by throwing several pitches, raising and shaking his right hand between throws. However, he could not continue the game. Expressing frustration, May shook his head as he left the field to an ovation from supportive fans. Robert Gasser replaced him to finish the inning.
This marks the first instance since July 2, 2021, when Pablo Lopez exited after just one pitch, as noted by Jerry Beach of the Associated Press. According to Zach Braziller of the New York Post, May is not expected to have a significant injury from the incident.
Braziller stated, “The Brewers later said he suffered a right scapula contusion and that X-rays came back negative.”
Although there were no fractures, May will likely experience ongoing pain from the impact. Such a hit typically results in a large bruise or knot. Fortunately, May has time to recuperate before the playoffs. The Brewers hold the best record in baseball at 81-51 as of Wednesday evening. They look to clinch the pennant and compete for a World Series this October. It would be wise for May to use September for recovery ahead of the final season push.
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