Dustin May Joins Brewers NLCS Pitching Plan Against Dodgers

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Dustin May returned to the spotlight in the 2026 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 12, 2026, entering Game 2 in Los Angeles as a former Dodgers starter after Milwaukee used him as part of its postseason pitching plan.

According to Heavy, May entered Game 2 after Brewers starter Logan Henderson exited early, with the game becoming a bullpen battle. May had been used as a starter since joining Milwaukee and recorded a career-high 145.2 innings during the regular season.

Heavy reported that May posted a 4.70 ERA overall in the regular season and a 5.65 ERA across 10 starts with the Brewers covering 36.1 innings. In the postseason, he started Game 3 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres and allowed two runs over three innings.

According to Dodgers Nation, May revived his career with the St. Louis Cardinals before moving to Milwaukee, posting a 4.38 ERA with a 3.15 FIP and delivering a near no-hitter during the season. The outlet also noted his earlier Dodgers career included a 2.93 ERA over his first three major league seasons.

The Brewers adjusted their NLCS rotation after May's NLDS outing, with manager Pat Murphy moving rookie left-hander Robert Gasser into the Game 3 starting role, according to Reviewing the Brew. Gasser had allowed no more than two earned runs in seven starts dating back to August 26.

Gasser explained that a mechanical adjustment helped improve his consistency late in the season.

"I think it was the Atlanta game, where I dropped it, I gave up a hit or a walk to start every inning. It was like let's not do that. I went all stretch, and I don't think anyone got on. So we just kept riding that from there on," Gasser said.

Reviewing the Brew reported that Gasser's recent run gave Milwaukee confidence heading into the postseason, while the left-hander also prepared for the Dodgers by studying their hitters.

"I enjoy having some familiarity with a lineup. I definitely look back to the game in August and watch those swings," Gasser said.

Gasser previously faced the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in August and said he used the early NLCS games to continue evaluating their approach.

"Obviously hitters adjust, but being a good guy in the dugout, watching them right now and seeing how they've changed to now, and trying to build a plan for them," Gasser said.

May spent the first five and a half seasons of his career with the Dodgers before the club traded him in 2025. According to Heavy, he made 52 starts for Los Angeles across six seasons, recording a 3.71 ERA with 271 strikeouts over 295.2 innings.