Dodgers Pitcher Dustin May Recalls Almost Dying After Eating a Salad: A ‘Complete Freak Accident’

A Freak Accident Derails Dustin May’s Comeback

Dustin May, the 27-year-old pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, faced an unexpected and life-altering setback in the summer of 2024. After undergoing Tommy John revision surgery in mid-2023 to repair a flexor tendon injury, May was on the verge of returning to the team. He had been rehabbing at the Dodgers’ Camelback Ranch facility in Arizona and was "pretty close" to rejoining the lineup. However, a freak accident involving a salad derailed his plans and nearly cost him his life. On July 10, 2024, while dining out in Arizona, May ordered a salad. After taking just one bite, he felt a piece of lettuce lodged in his throat. Despite trying to wash it down with water, he realized something was seriously wrong.

A Life-Threatening Injury and Emergency Surgery

The incident quickly escalated into a medical emergency. May described the sensation as "mega-painful" and initially believed the discomfort would subside after about 15 minutes. However, when the pain persisted, his wife, Millie, urged him to seek immediate medical attention. At the emergency room, a CT scan revealed a severe tear in his esophagus, which required emergency surgery that same evening. May later confessed that the situation was "definitely very serious" and that he likely wouldn’t have survived the night without the procedure. The surgery, which he described as "basically a full abdominal surgery," was far from routine and added six months to his already lengthy recovery process.

Emotional Toll and a Changed Perspective

The incident had a profound emotional impact on May and his family. He admitted that the experience gave him "a different viewpoint on a lot of things in life," highlighting how something so unrelated to baseball could upend his world in an instant. May also reflected on the fear and uncertainty his wife endured during the ordeal, expressing gratitude for her insistence that he seek medical help. "It definitely gave me [a feeling] of, ‘Wow, stuff can change like that.’ It was definitely very scary," he said. The accident served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of circumstances, even for a professional athlete.

A Long and Frustrating Recovery Journey

The freak accident not only extended May’s recovery timeline but also forced him to miss the entire 2024 baseball season, including the Dodgers’ World Series victory. May described the situation as "extremely frustrating," especially since he was nearing the end of his elbow rehab when the esophageal tear occurred. "It wasn’t on my bingo card for 2024," he remarked, expressing his disappointment at the unexpected turn of events. Despite the setbacks, May remained determined to regain his health and return to the field. His resilience and focus on rehabilitation have been key to his gradual progress.

A Renewed Appreciation for the Game and Life

Looking ahead, May is cautiously optimistic about his return to the Dodgers’ lineup for opening day in the spring. While nothing is set in stone, he is working diligently to prove his readiness for the upcoming season. The pitcher joked that it’s "been a minute" since he’s been healthy enough to play, but the experience has deepened his appreciation for the game. "I’m definitely excited, and definitely have a deeper appreciation for the game," he concluded. May’s journey underscores the challenges athletes face beyond the field and the mental and emotional strength required to overcome adversity.

Moving Forward with Gratitude and Determination

As Dustin May prepares to rejoin the Dodgers, he carries with him a newfound sense of gratitude and perspective. The freak accident and subsequent recovery have taught him to cherish every moment, both on and off the field. While the road ahead is uncertain, May’s determination and resilience serve as a testament to his commitment to the sport and his desire to contribute to his team’s success. For now, he remains focused on his health and the opportunity to once again take the mound, embodying the spirit of perseverance that defines his career.