Brewers Starter May Exits After One Pitch Following Line Drive to Back

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Dustin May departed Wednesday night’s contest against the New York Mets after delivering just a single pitch when A.J. Ewing’s line drive struck him in the upper back. The 106 mph liner caught May as he attempted to evade the incoming ball, deflecting off his body and hopping directly to third baseman David Hamilton, who threw out the speedy Mets rookie at first base.

May visibly winced following the impact, holding his right shoulder blade and armpit region as he bent forward in apparent discomfort. Manager Pat Murphy and a team athletic trainer rushed to the mound to evaluate the pitcher, conferring with infielders gathered around him on the field.

After an extended discussion, May threw multiple warmup pitches while testing his arm mobility and flexing his right hand between attempts. Murphy subsequently signaled toward the dugout, and May left the field without further play. Left-hander Robert Gasser entered from the bullpen and retired the next two batters to complete the inning.

May, acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals on August 3, carries a 6-8 record with a 4.56 ERA across 25 appearances this season. The 6-foot-6 pitcher became the first major league starter to exit after one pitch since Miami Marlins’ Pablo López on July 2, 2021.

The 28-year-old represents a key component of Milwaukee’s rotation as the Brewers pursue a fourth consecutive NL Central title with the majors’ best record at 81-51. May has previously endured two Tommy John surgeries and emergency esophageal surgery in 2024 while with the Los Angeles Dodgers.