Padres make surprising Joe Musgrove decision after 727-day absence

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Padres make surprising Joe Musgrove decision after 727-day absence

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Sep 29, 2026 2:50 PM ET

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove last played in Game 2 of the Wild Card series in 2024.

Yet, the Padres included Musgrove on their 26-man roster ahead of this year’s Wild Card series against the Chicago Cubs.

Joe Musgrove, who hasn’t pitched since his elbow injury during the 2024 Wild Card Series, is on the Padres’ 2026 Wild Card Series roster. https://t.co/7ob8r4Llng
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) September 29, 2026

Musgrove suffered an injury in Game 2 of the 2024 series against the Atlanta Braves, and he ended up missing the rest of the postseason and undergoing Tommy John surgery. Musgrove then missed all of 2025, and he suffered a setback prior to 2026 that sidelined him for the entire season.

Musgrove did have a rehab assignment recently with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, so there was always a possibility he would return at some point this season.

Every Joe Musgrove pitch today

5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Ks, 0 BB, 5 H

Got up to only 60 pitches but he was really efficient most of the game. 4S sat 93.5 mph which is 0.5 higher than his 2024 average. Think he might be the one added to active roster when rosters expand. He looks ready. pic.twitter.com/RYvSYwPEAT
— Giannis Auntiegotapoodle (@TooMuchMortons_) August 28, 2026

Musgrove is a fan favorite, and he threw the franchise’s first-ever no-hitter in 2021.

San Diego plans to use Musgrove out of the bullpen, and his return could be as early as Tuesday night in what should be an exciting scene at Petco Park.

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