Joe Musgrove Is Back on a Major League Mound
Joe Musgrove waited nearly two years for this moment, and when it finally arrived, it came in the middle of a playoff game. The San Diego Padres brought the veteran right-hander into Game 1 of their National League Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs, marking his first major league appearance since October 2024.
Musgrove entered the game in the ninth inning with San Diego already leading 8-0. He retired the side to complete the Padres’ three-hit shutout and close one of the most unusual comeback chapters of his career.
A Long Road Back From Tommy John Surgery
Musgrove’s return has taken much longer than anyone in San Diego originally expected. He underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2024 season and then dealt with setbacks during his recovery, keeping him away from the Padres for two full seasons.
Before the injury, Musgrove had become one of the most recognizable pitchers in the Padres’ rotation. The San Diego native was selected for the 2022 All-Star Game and owns a career record of 66-62 with a 3.73 ERA across nine major league seasons.
His final major league appearance before the comeback came during the 2024 Wild Card Series against Atlanta. He left that game after 3 2/3 innings because of elbow tightness, beginning a difficult stretch that eventually led to surgery.
The Padres Took a Chance on His Return
San Diego included Musgrove on its 2026 postseason roster despite the fact that he had made only four minor league rehabilitation appearances during the season. The club created a roster spot by placing catcher Rodolfo Duran on the 60-day injured list.
The decision reflected the Padres’ willingness to see what Musgrove could contribute in a limited role. Manager Craig Stammen said before Game 1 that the club trusted Musgrove, even though his return came with obvious uncertainty after such a long absence.
| Joe Musgrove detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 33 |
| Position | Right-handed pitcher |
| Last MLB appearance before return | October 2024 |
His Return Came After Michael King’s Masterpiece
Musgrove did not have to carry the game. Michael King handled the heavy lifting, throwing seven scoreless innings and allowing just one hit while striking out eight. Yuki Matsui followed with a scoreless eighth before Musgrove received the ball for the final inning.
That made Musgrove’s job relatively simple: protect a huge lead and finish the night. He did exactly that, giving San Diego a clean ending to an already dominant postseason performance.
The Padres won 8-0, with Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts each hitting home runs. Tatis scored three runs, while Jackson Merrill, Ty France and the Padres’ other hitters kept pressure on Chicago throughout the night.
Why Musgrove Matters to San Diego
Musgrove’s return gives the Padres another pitching option at the most important point of the season. He is not being asked to immediately resume the workload of a traditional starter, but his presence gives San Diego another experienced arm to use in different situations.
The timing is also significant because the Padres entered the postseason after finishing 90-71 and securing home-field advantage in the Wild Card round. The club is now one win away from advancing to the National League Division Series.
For Musgrove, however, the significance goes beyond the playoff bracket. After surgery, rehabilitation setbacks and two seasons away from the majors, simply standing on a major league mound again represented the end of a long wait.
What Comes Next for Joe Musgrove?
The Padres have not indicated that Musgrove will suddenly return to a full-time starting role. His Game 1 appearance was a carefully managed situation, and his workload can be adjusted depending on how the Wild Card Series develops.
San Diego’s next game against Chicago is scheduled for Wednesday night. With the Padres holding a 1-0 series lead, Musgrove could potentially become part of the club’s bullpen plans again if the series continues.
For now, his ninth-inning appearance gives Padres fans something they had been waiting nearly two years to see: Joe Musgrove back in a major league uniform, pitching in October.
FAQ
When did Joe Musgrove last pitch before his 2026 return?
Musgrove’s previous major league appearance came during the 2024 National League Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves.
Why did Joe Musgrove miss two seasons?
Musgrove underwent Tommy John surgery and experienced recovery setbacks that kept him from returning to the Padres until the 2026 postseason.
Did Joe Musgrove pitch in the Padres’ Game 1 win?
Yes. Musgrove pitched the ninth inning of San Diego’s 8-0 victory over the Cubs, completing the shutout after Michael King and Yuki Matsui had handled the first eight innings.
