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Joe Musgrove Returns After Two Years, Makes Padres' Wild Card Roster
Joe Musgrove has been added to the San Diego Padres' NL Wild Card Series roster nearly two years after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2024. The 33-year-old right-hander missed the entire 2025 season and most of 2026 during his recovery but showed significant improvement in late August and September, leading the Padres to include him as a reliever for the playoff series against the Chicago Cubs.
Quick Facts
- Added to Padres' NL Wild Card Series roster
- Underwent Tommy John surgery
- Made four Triple-A rehab appearances
- Pitched in instructional league games
- Participated in live batting-practice sessions

Joe Musgrove, the San Diego Padres' hometown pitcher, has been added to the team's postseason roster for the NL Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs after nearly two years away from major league play. The 33-year-old right-hander last appeared in a game on October 2, 2024, when he exited a playoff start against the Atlanta Braves with a right elbow injury. He underwent Tommy John surgery that same month and missed the entire 2025 season during his recovery.
Musgrove's path back proved longer and more difficult than initially anticipated. He missed the entire 2026 regular season after experiencing significant setbacks in his rehabilitation, prompting frustration from observers questioning whether he would ever return. However, his recovery accelerated in late August and September. He made four Triple-A rehab appearances in August, with his final outing spanning five innings. In September, he pitched in instructional league games and live batting-practice sessions, showing improved velocity and arm recovery that convinced the Padres medical staff and management he was ready.
Padres manager Craig Stammen emphasized the confidence the organization has in Musgrove, stating that the key breakthrough was his ability to recover after pitching to hitters and resume throwing the next day. General Manager AJ Preller noted that recent evaluations showed good velocity, movement, and shape, leading to his inclusion on the 11-man pitching staff. Musgrove is expected to pitch out of the bullpen in the best-of-three series, though he could potentially open a decisive Game 3. Michael King is scheduled to start Game 1, with Nick Pivetta starting Game 2.
Musgrove's return represents a significant redemption after his past accomplishments with San Diego. He threw the franchise's only no-hitter in 2021, was an All-Star in 2022, and carries a 3.20 ERA across 97 starts with the Padres since joining the team in a trade from Pittsburgh before the 2021 season. He also won a World Series title with the Houston Astros in 2017. The Padres will open the Wild Card Series against Chicago on September 30, 2026, at Petco Park.
Topics
Why This Matters
Musgrove's return affects the Padres' pitching depth in a best-of-three Wild Card playoff series beginning September 30, 2026, against the Cubs. His availability as a reliever or potential Game 3 starter changes the team's bullpen matchup strategy and overall roster flexibility during October competition. His recovery outcome also carries significance for MLB evaluations of Tommy John surgery rehabilitation timelines and return-to-play protocols.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 2, 2024
WireJoe Musgrove exits playoff game against Atlanta Braves with right elbow injury; last major league appearance
Jan 1, 2025
WireMusgrove misses entire 2025 season during recovery
Sep 29, 2026
WirePadres announce Musgrove on NL Wild Card Series roster
Sep 30, 2026
WirePadres vs. Cubs Wild Card Series begins at Petco Park
Related Signals
Sources
- Padres Joe Musgrove Cubs 6211ca0561dd1fc3238c96a3e99baf35apWireSep 29, 2026
- Padres add Joe Musgrove, out since 2024, to wild-card rosterESPNMediaSep 30, 2026
- Padres' hometown hero Joe Musgrove pitches first game in two yearsUSA TodayMediaSep 30, 2026
- Padres unveil postseason roster — and Joe Musgrove is on itSan Diego Union-TribuneMediaSep 29, 2026