Dustin May, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ flame-throwing right-hander, is finally set to return to the mound in April 2025 after a long and difficult road filled with physical and emotional challenges. But beyond the headlines about his pitching comeback lies a powerful personal story — one involving his wife, Millie Trautner, who not only supported him through a harrowing medical emergency but arguably saved his life.
While fans are eager to see May back in action, many are equally touched by the role Millie played behind the scenes during what the couple now calls a “near-death” experience.
A Night That Changed Everything
It was supposed to be a normal evening. On July 10, 2024, Dustin and Millie were out enjoying dinner together when something completely unexpected happened — a piece of salad became lodged in May’s throat. What initially seemed like a minor inconvenience quickly escalated into a medical emergency, forcing him to be rushed to the emergency room.
The situation deteriorated so rapidly that doctors had to perform emergency esophagus surgery, later telling the couple that Dustin had just hours left before things could’ve taken a deadly turn. “The doctor told us, ‘Oh, you probably had about four more hours,’” Millie recalled in a recent interview with SportsNet LA. “I was like, ‘Four more hours until what?’ And he said, ‘Until things were really, really bad.’”
It was a horrifying realization for Millie, who is in her late 20s. “I could be sitting here as a 27-year-old widow,” she said through tears. “And those are just words you never think you’re going to have to say — especially at such a young age.”
Facing Trauma in the Public Eye
As Dustin lay sedated in the ICU, Millie faced another challenge — the public reaction. Once news broke of Dustin’s emergency, it didn’t take long for jokes and misinformation to circulate online. Despite her emotional exhaustion, Millie found herself on the receiving end of public scrutiny.
“The general public was notified, but then, of course, there were jokes,” she explained. “And it was so hard for me because Dustin hadn’t even been on his phone yet… I was literally sleeping on a couch in the ICU, waking up every two hours when nurses came in to check Dustin’s vitals.”
Seeing her husband in such a fragile state while being bombarded by social media negativity made an already traumatic experience even more painful. But Millie stayed strong — focused on getting Dustin through one of the most terrifying nights of their lives.
A Grateful Husband and a New Perspective
Today, Dustin May is 27 years old and in a much better place, both physically and emotionally. Set to return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday against the Braves, May credits Millie for being the reason he’s alive to pitch again.
“It was definitely life and death,” he said. “If I hadn’t gone to the hospital that night, I would not be here today. And I definitely have to thank my wife for that—for saving my life. Because I definitely would not have gone if I had been by myself.”
This isn’t just a story of recovery — it’s a story of love, courage, and resilience. And for Dustin, returning to the field carries a deeper meaning now. “I’m very excited for Tuesday,” he added. “Just to kind of get the first one out of the way so we can stop talking and thinking about it. I’m ready to get going.”
Meet Millie Trautner: The Woman Behind the Athlete
Millie Trautner, while not a public figure by trade, has become someone fans deeply respect and admire. Known for her down-to-earth demeanor and unwavering strength, she and Dustin have kept their relationship mostly private until now. The couple has been together for several years and married prior to the 2024 season.
Their bond has always been strong, but surviving such a life-threatening event has brought them even closer. Millie’s calm under pressure and quick decision-making not only saved Dustin’s life but also reminded fans that athletes — no matter how powerful they appear on the field — are still vulnerable human beings off of it.
Dustin May’s Career and Net Worth
Dustin May, affectionately nicknamed “Gingergaard” due to his flowing red hair and power pitching, has been a promising talent in the MLB since making his debut with the Dodgers in 2019. Known for his 100-mph sinker and electric presence on the mound, May quickly became one of the top young pitchers in baseball before injuries set him back.
With multiple stints on the injured list, including Tommy John surgery in 2021 and last year’s medical scare, his career has been full of both potential and adversity. Still, the Dodgers continue to invest in his future.
As of 2025, Dustin May’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, thanks to his MLB salary, endorsements, and performance incentives. The right-hander is expected to play a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ rotation this season, and with a clean bill of health, fans and analysts are hopeful he’ll finally hit his stride.