Dustin May Exits Game After Getting Struck by 106-Mph Line Drive

A high-speed comebacker forced Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Dustin May out of Wednesday night's game against the host New York Mets in Queens after he delivered only a single pitch.

Mets rookie lead-off hitter A.J. Ewing hit a 106-mph line drive off May's initial delivery. The ball whirled directly into May's upper back near his right shoulder blade and armpit before deflecting to third baseman David Hamilton, who threw Ewing out at first base.

May doubled over on the mound in discomfort while favoring the impacted shoulder area. Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy, pitching coach Chris Hook, and athletic trainer Brad Epstein conducted an extended mound consultation while Brewers infielders gathered nearby.

Although May threw several warm-up pitches, raised his arm, and shook his right hand in an effort to stretch out his back, Murphy ultimately motioned to the bullpen and guided the starter off the field.

Left-hander Robert Gasser replaced May on short notice, coming out of the bullpen for his first relief appearance of the season. Gasser retired the next two batters on four pitches to finish the opening inning.

The quick exit placed immediate stress on a thinned Milwaukee bullpen. Gasser had been scheduled to start on Sunday against the Texas Rangers, creating an unexpected shift in the rotation plans for the Brewers.

The Brewers will assess the 28-year-old pitcher's back injury before determining his availability for his next scheduled rotation turn. May entered the contest with a 1-1 record and a 6.00 ERA across three starts after joining Milwaukee from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline.