Dustin May of the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a life-threatening situation when a leaf of lettuce tore his esophagus, necessitating emergency surgery, during his recovery from a second Tommy John surgery. His wife, instrumental in convincing him to seek medical attention, played a crucial role in saving his life. Despite significant setbacks, including only 25 starts since 2021 due to surgeries and the esophagus incident, May has maintained a strong performance, with an ERA of 3.24 in that span. Leaning heavily on his faith and support from his wife, May has grown spiritually and is determined to approach the game with a positive mindset, regardless of outcomes. Adjusting his perspective on baseball's role in his life, May focuses on gratitude for being able to play again and the joy of contributing to his team after feeling distant during his recovery.

Dustin May, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, experienced a critical health scare when a piece of lettuce lodged in his throat, tearing his esophagus and requiring emergency surgery, highlighting the importance of his wife's insistence on seeking medical help.

Having undergone two Tommy John surgeries, May has struggled with limited appearances since 2021, managing just 25 starts, yet he has consistently demonstrated his skill on the field with a commendable ERA of 3.24 during this period.

May attributes his survival and recovery to the steadfast support of his wife and his deepening faith, which have been central to his ability to cope with the physical and emotional challenges posed by his injuries.

His spiritual journey has intensified over the past nine months, as he reflects on the near-loss of his life and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to continue pursuing his baseball career, a path he sees as a blessing from above.

Embracing a less pressured approach to baseball, May now aims to maintain a balanced perspective, cherishing the chance to play and contribute to his team while acknowledging the broader aspects of life beyond the sport.