Brewers pitcher Dustin May exits after line drive hit on first pitch

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Dustin May was forced to exit his start against the New York Mets on Wednesday night after being struck by a line drive on his very first pitch. The incident occurred at Citi Field in Queens, New York, on August 26, 2026, when Mets leadoff hitter A.J. Ewing hit a 106 mph liner back to the mound. May was hit in the upper back and shoulder area, immediately showing signs of severe discomfort. The play unfolded quickly. May threw a 96 mph pitch, and Ewing lined it directly back at him. As May turned to avoid the ball, it struck him in the back, ricocheting to third baseman David Hamilton, who threw out Ewing at first base. May grimaced and bent forward, favoring his right shoulder blade and armpit. Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy and an athletic trainer went to the mound to check on the pitcher, who was surrounded by his infielders. After a consultation, May threw several warmup pitches, raising his arm and shaking his right hand between tosses, before Murphy signaled for him to leave the game. May was replaced by lefthander Robert Gasser, who entered and retired the next two batters to end the first inning.