Cardinals Seeing Something Special in May's Spring Buildup

Dustin May impresses manager Oliver Marmol with his midseason form and conditioning in spring training

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:24pm

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Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has been raving about right-hander Dustin May's performance this spring training. Marmol loves the way the ball is coming out of May's hand and how he is handling his conditioning program. May looks ready to be the No. 2 starter in St. Louis' rotation after allowing just one run on two hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings with three strikeouts in a recent game against the Nationals.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are hoping May can bounce back and solidify their starting rotation after he pitched under 200 pounds in 2025 following an esophageal tear in early 2024. His strong spring performance is an encouraging sign for the team as they look to build on their success from last season.

The details

In Wednesday's game, May threw 19 pitches in the first inning before being taken out, but he returned the next inning and held Washington scoreless for the next three frames. Marmol was impressed with May's ability to mix his pitches effectively. The manager also noted that May is back to his normal playing weight of around 215 pounds, which is a positive sign after his struggles with his conditioning last year.

  • On March 11, 2026, Dustin May pitched 3 2/3 innings against the Nationals in spring training.

The players

Dustin May

A right-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals who is looking to solidify his spot in the team's starting rotation this season.

Oliver Marmol

The manager of the St. Louis Cardinals who has been impressed with May's performance and conditioning this spring training.

Nolan Gorman

The Cardinals' third baseman who needs to improve his defensive play and consistency at the plate in order to be the everyday starter this season.

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What they’re saying

“I thought Dustin did a nice job. He mixed everything.”

— Oliver Marmol, Manager

“His buildup has been good. Prior to signing him, he is describing how he felt last year. ... He is back to his [playing] weight. He feels 100 percent and balls are coming out of the hand in a pretty special way. There is a lot of optimism around it.”

— Oliver Marmol, Manager

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to monitor Dustin May's progress throughout the remainder of spring training as they determine their starting rotation for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Dustin May's strong performance and return to his normal playing weight this spring training has the Cardinals feeling optimistic about his ability to bounce back and solidify their starting rotation in 2026 after his struggles the previous season.