Dustin

May

The Mariners jumped all over May here with four hits and four runs in the first inning. The struggles didn’t stop there either, as he was through 53 pitches with zero outs in the second inning. By the time that frame ended, the Mariners had seven runs on the board, May had thrown 66 pitches, and he was mercifully pulled from this game before the third. He had absolutely no feel for his cutter or sweeper and without those, couldn’t do much. This was his first clunker since being acquired by the Brewers at the deadline and we’re hoping he can put this poor start behind him quickly. Next up, he’s scheduled to face the Mets on the road.

May was tested in the fourth, when he walked the leadoff man and gave up a single with one out. He then induced a double play ball, only for David Hamilton to botch it at short and get no outs. So, May just went and got another double play ball, and the defense converted it this time. It was the third time this year that May completed seven innings. The first time, in May, he was facing the Brewers team he pitched for today. The second time was his one-hit shutout in June against the team he faced today. He’ll take on the Mariners next.

May, acquired from the Cardinals on Monday, allowed three hits, walked three and struck out five to win for the first time since his one-hit shutout of the Padres back on June 15. He’s allowed just three runs over 17 innings in his last five starts, taking his ERA back down to 4.30. He’s set to face the Padres next week, and given how well his previous two starts this year went against them, he seems like a decent streaming option.

May might have peaked in May, but he’s still done quite well in posting a 2.92 ERA with 28 strikeouts over 24 2/3 innings in his last five starts. The Brewers don’t ask for lengthy outings from their starters, which should work in May’s favor. His fantasy value should increase a tad with the deal, though there is the risk that the Brewers will occasionally pull him with a lead in the fifth. The Brewers will have to decide whether to go to a six-man rotation for now or to have May replace Robert Gasser.

Alexander Frias and Josiah Ragsdale are going to St. Louis, according to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy. May could replace Robert Gasser in the Brewers rotation or the team could shift back to a six-man setup for now. Romero will take some pressure off Aaron Ashby in relief once he comes off the IL.

May put together a solid start here while it was obvious that the Cardinals were trying to protect him. He got through his five scoreless innings, but didn’t face a single batter for a third time and was yanked at just 70 pitches. His fastball also trended down closer to 95 mph from his usual 97 in that fifth or final inning. To further defend that decision, May’s command was all over the place and he only forced three total swings-and-misses. In the end, May has faltered over the last month, was wild again here, and the Cardinals did well to quit while they were ahead. May is a trade candidate ahead of Monday’s deadline, so keep an eye out for where and when his next start is.

May allowed seven hits on the evening while issuing just one base on balls. The lone tally against him came on an RBI double off the bat of Tyler Stephenson in the fourth inning. Aside from that, he was in complete command. He exited after six innings with a 2-1 lead and in line for a victory, but the Cardinals’ bullpen was unable to hang on for him. May generated 14 whiffs on 89 pitches on the night, registering an elite CSW of 36 percent. He’ll bring a 4.59 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and a 103/33 K/BB ratio (104 innings) into Wednesday’s divisional showdown against the Cubs.

May gave up eight hits, walked four and struck out six. He fell to 5-7 with the loss. Saturday wasn’t May’s best start and it was the third time he’s allowed at least five runs in his last five starts. The 28-year-old right-hander has a 4.78 ERA and a 3.89 xFIP. May’s .328 BABIP allowed and 63 percent left on base percentage also point to him being unlucky this year. He’s lined up to face the Diamondbacks at home next week.

McGreevy had an outstanding first half for the Cardinals, posting a 3.01 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 66/23 K/BB ratio over 101 2/3 innings through his first 18 starts. Dustin May will follow on Saturday with Andre Pallante taking the ball in Sunday’s series finale.

May needed 84 pitches to get through the four frames, as he issued four walks while procuring four strikeouts. It’s a disappointing end to the first half for May, who has pitched much better as of late than his 4.55 ERA on the year might indicate. The 28-year-old could be back on the bump over the weekend after the All-Star break, but the Cardinals haven’t set their rotation as of yet.