In the final weeks leading up to the MLB trade deadline, top Los Angeles Dodgers prospects Gavin Lux, Dustin May, Will Smith and Keibert Ruiz were often mentioned in speculation. Though, Smith to a lesser extent as he’s quickly become a key member of the Major League roster.
Meanwhile, Lux, May and Ruiz reportedly were sought after by the Pittsburgh Pirates in a potential trade for All-Star closer Felipe Vazquez. The Pirates were believed to be particularly interested in acquiring Lux and Ruiz.
There was never any indication the Dodgers were keen on parting with any of their top prospects, but Ruiz was speculated as being the most-likely candidate to get traded because of Smith’s emergence and the organization’s depth at the catching position.
With the trade deadline having passed and each remaining with the Dodgers, the club appears poised to select May’s contract, according Ron Cervenka of ThinkBlueLA.com
ThinkBlueLA has learned from a trusted source that the Dodgers have called up 21-year-old right-hander Dustin May from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
May is expected to make his MLB debut Friday in a start against the San Diego Padres, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
I’m told it’s to start. He last pitched Sunday. https://t.co/P5E78WU71v
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 1, 2019
It’s unclear what the Dodgers may have planned for the right-hander beyond this weekend. Tony Gonsolin made his MLB debut earlier this season by starting against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but upon joining the Dodgers a second time, converted a four-inning save.
In June, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged it was a possibility that either of the right-handed prospects would make an impact at the big league level this season as a reliever.
May, who the Dodgers selected in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft, has started in all but five of his 78 games. Each of the relief appearances came within the first two seasons of his professional career.
May is fresh off being named Pacific Coast League Player of the Week, after going 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 10 strikeouts over 12 innings pitched in two starts for Oklahoma City.
He was previously named Pitcher of the Week by the California League behind a strong showing with High-A Rancho Cucamonga in May 2018, and while with Double-A Tulsa this season.
May was ranked No. 35 overall by MLB Pipeline in their 2019 midseason update of the top 100 prospects. The Dodgers will need to make corresponding moves on their active and 40-man rosters in order to call up May.