Alpha toxin (AT) is a major virulence determinant in Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infection models. We previously demonstrated that prophylactic administration of 2A3, an AT neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb), prevents S. aureus disease in a mouse dermonecrosis model by neutralizing AT-mediated tissue necrosis and immune evasion. In the present study, MEDI4893*, an affinity-optimized version of 2A3 was characterized for therapeutic activity in the dermonecrosis model as a single agent and in combination with two frontline antibiotics, vancomycin and linezolid. MEDI4893* post-infection therapy was found to exhibit a therapeutic treatment window similar to linezolid but longer than vancomycin. Additionally, when combined with either vancomycin or linezolid, MEDI4893* resulted in reduced tissue damage, increased neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, abscess formation and accelerated healing relative to the antibiotic monotherapies. These data suggest that AT neutralization with a potent mAb holds promise for both prophylaxis and adjunctive therapy with antibiotics, and may be a valuable addition to currently available options for the treatment of S. aureus skin and soft tissue infections.