Due to rotation concerns, the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly considering moving a struggling starter to the bullpen. Keep on.
Here’s the latest: the Dodgers are indeed weighing the idea of shifting a struggling starter into the bullpen to relieve pressure on their rotation and give the pitcher a chance to recalibrate According to a recent Sports Illustrated piece, right-hander Dustin May, in his first full season back since 2023, has pitched to a 4.96 ERA. While he still racks up solid strikeout-to-walk numbers—88 strikeouts to 40 walks—command remains inconsistent. Head coach Dave Roberts indicated that May will remain in the rotation to begin the second half, but acknowledged “at some point … giving him a little respite,” noting they’ve discussed moving him to relief (SI).
This deliberation comes amid a broader context: the Dodgers continue to battle deep rotation and bullpen frailties. With key starters like Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow hurt and others on inning limits, the pitching staff is strained. The bullpen itself ranks 24th in ERA (4.46), due in part to overuse and injuries . In response, L.A. has turned to bullpen games, openers, and long-relief specialists like Ben Casparius, who has impressed in multi-inning relief and might be a rotation candidate
Strategic flexibility
Transitioning a starter like May to the bullpen can lighten his workload and pace a return to form. It also allows the Dodgers to deploy his high-leverage stuff across critical late-game situations—where velocity and aggression can be a real weapon.Rotation depth issues
With starters limited by injury (Snell, Glasnow, Gonsolin, Kershaw), LA has struggled to manage consistent five-plus-inning outings. Many starters have been limited due to health, forcing increased reliance on spot starts and bullpen games
Bullpen workload
The pen has logged more innings than any team in MLB this year—over 102⅓ through midseason—which is taxing top arms and exposing depth issues . Resting a starter in the pen could help that.
Player development and usage
The Dodgers have used relievers like Casparius and are considering who can stretch out for multi-innings hey also have several prospects ready to step in if a role change occurs .
Dave Roberts remains cautious. He expressed that the plan is for May to remain a starter at the beginning of the second half, with the bullpen being a possibility “at some point… when and if it’s going to happen” (SI). It’s clear he, and the front office, are monitoring May’s development closely.
If May thrives in a bullpen role—showcasing his strikeout stuff while rebuilding command—it could open roster flexibility. His velocity (fastball around 94.8 mph, .103 average against) is ideal for short relief bursts, though his cutter remains vulnerable (SI).Streaming May in shorter outings might preserve his arm and extend his career, but it limits rotation depth, which is already compromised.
A bullpen role could serve as a springboard: if May adapts, the Dodgers might revert him to starting once the injury-riddled rotation stabilizes.
Post-All-Star break usage: Does May continue starting, or does he appear in relief?
Casparius’s progress: could he fill in as a rotation hybrid or stay as multi-inning reliever?
Injuries and returns: games from Snell, Glasnow, or Gonsolin return could alleviate strain.
Front-office moves: will LA flip May, Casparius, or someone else in trade talks, or beef up the rotation?
In short, the Dodgers are realistically exploring the option of shifting Dustin May to the bullpen to protect their depth, manage overused relievers, and possibly help May regain command in a lower-pressure environment. Roberts expects to keep him in the rotation to start the second half, but it’s far from off the table. With pitching depth stretched thin and the bullpen under pressure, it’s a move that reflects both current need and strategic flexibility.
If you want deeper dives—like minor-league arms who could step in, performance metrics for May, or how other teams have handled similar transitions—I’d be happy to dig further.
