Following the recent trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox have added pitchers Steven Matz and Dustin May to their roster amid a season filled with challenges. As the team holds onto a playoff spot with 52 games remaining, questions linger about Dustin May Red Sox pitching role and how he will best contribute moving forward.
Steven Matz is expected to join the bullpen despite previous experience as a starter, a move that Boston’s pitching coach Craig Breslow indicated is likely to stick. The focus turns to May, who has mostly been a starter throughout his career and is anticipated to fill a starting position for Boston because of rotation injuries and uncertainty surrounding other pitchers like Richard Fitts.
Uncertainty Surrounding May’s Immediate Impact and Future Usage
Breslow noted that it is unlikely May will be ready to start immediately following the trade acquisition but suggested he could be available soon after. May’s history of injuries and workload this season, reaching a career-high in innings pitched, complicates decisions about his role as the team nears the postseason.
The Red Sox might consider using May in a relief role that spans multiple innings, especially as they prepare to maximize their pitching staff’s flexibility in critical games. In 2021, manager Alex Cora demonstrated a willingness to use starters in unconventional bullpen roles, such as when Nick Pivetta closed out the season despite spending most of it as a starter.
Challenges May Faces With Left-Handed Hitters and Role Adaptation
May struggles against left-handed hitters, partly because he lacks an offspeed pitch like a splitter or changeup, similar to Tanner Houck’s profile. While the team may attempt to develop such pitches to improve his effectiveness, time is limited as the regular season winds down.
If these issues persist, moving May into the bullpen could allow Boston to strategically deploy him against right-handed batters in high-leverage situations. This approach would enable the Red Sox to conserve innings while utilizing May’s strengths as they push toward the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Flexibility Will Be Key for May and Boston
While Dustin May’s role remains unsettled, his inclusion provides the Red Sox with additional options at a critical juncture. Whether as a starter or bullpen weapon, May’s deployment will likely depend on matchup strategies and the team’s evolving needs as the postseason approaches. Boston’s ability to adapt its pitching staff, under Alex Cora’s direction, could be a deciding factor in their playoff success.