The St. Louis Cardinals will limit Dustin May to around 65 pitches during Monday night's series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, according to St. Louis Post-Dispatch beat writer Jeff Jones.
The decision comes as the Cardinals manage the right-hander's recent workload while also preparing for Tuesday's doubleheader at Busch Stadium.
May is making his 17th start of the season just days after exiting his previous outing against the Atlanta Braves after a line drive struck his right ankle in the first inning.
Although X-rays were negative, St. Louis is treating Monday's outing as a controlled build-up following the abbreviated appearance. Jones noted the combination of May's workload and the upcoming doubleheader creates significant bullpen coverage concerns.
The 28-year-old right-hander signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals before the 2026 season after previously pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox.
A former third-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, May has overcome Tommy John surgery and a serious throat injury during his career. He enters Monday's start with a 5-6 record, a 4.80 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP, 78 strikeouts and 84⅓ innings over 16 starts.
The Cardinals begin a pivotal five-game series against Milwaukee after losing four of the first five meetings between the division rivals this season.
May's season has also included encouraging signs, highlighted by a complete-game shutout against the San Diego Padres on June 15, giving St. Louis confidence as he continues building back from recent setbacks.
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With a doubleheader scheduled for Tuesday, manager Oliver Marmol is expected to rely on multiple bullpen arms after May reaches his planned pitch limit.
If the outing goes as planned without any discomfort, the Cardinals are expected to remove the restriction before the All-Star break as they continue their push in the National League Central.
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