The last time Joe Musgrove took the mound in a Major League Baseball game was on May 26, when he showcased his All-Star caliber by overcoming a formidable New York Yankees lineup at Petco Park. However, shortly after, Musgrove was placed on the Injured List due to a bone spur in his pitching elbow. This Monday night, Musgrove is set to make his return to Petco Park after an 11-week hiatus, kicking off a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Musgrove’s return is a significant boost for a team that has been on a tear, boasting a 16-4 record since the All-Star break. His comeback is eagerly anticipated, given the impact his experience and skill can have as the Padres push for a playoff spot. The hard work he’s put in during his recovery hasn’t gone unnoticed in the clubhouse.
Infielder Jake Cronenworth praised Musgrove’s dedication, remarking, “The effort he’s put in is extraordinary; he’s working harder than most people have ever seen. His determination to return and help the team is incredibly important for us.”
Xander Bogaerts, another infielder, echoed these sentiments, saying, “It’s fantastic to have him back. His presence on the mound boosts our confidence immensely, and we feel assured with him pitching.”
Musgrove made a single minor league rehab start with Single-A Lake Elsinore, where he threw 43 pitches and demonstrated promising velocity, hitting 96 MPH with his fastball compared to his career average of 93 MPH. This slight increase in speed may be attributed to adjustments in his delivery, which he focused on during his time off to reduce strain on his elbow.
For his return, Musgrove will be restricted to about 60 pitches as he gradually builds up his endurance. His comeback also opens up the possibility of a six-man rotation, potentially giving additional rest to pitchers like Michael King, Matt Waldron, and Randy Vasquez, who have logged more innings this year than ever before. This approach was successful for the Padres during the 2022 season.
Despite this, Manager Mike Shildt is currently opting against expanding the rotation, noting, “While I consider every option, having six starters and seven relievers with many working just one to two innings doesn’t fit our current setup. With a day off soon, Joe’s return will provide some extra rest, so we’re sticking with our current rotation.”
Vasquez remains in Triple-A, prepared to step in as needed if further injuries arise.