Make California Post a Preferred Source Joe Musgrove hasn’t pitched for the Padres since October 2024.
Two years later, the All-Star pitcher has been added to San Diego’s 26-man roster for the National League wild-card series after a long recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Musgrove will work out of the bullpen as a postseason reliever for the Padres. The right-hander joins Jason Adam, Yuki Matsui, Adrian Morejon, David Morgan, Bradgley Rodriguez and Mason Miller in the bullpen.
“You always bet on Joe Musgrove in terms of the person, and the stuff has been good. His opportunity to go and compete in a big spot, you trust him,” president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said.
Musgrove last pitched for the Padres in the 2024 wild-card series against the Braves, the season when San Diego pushed the Dodgers to the brink of elimination in a five-game NLDS.
The 33-year-old was set to make his return in 2026 but experienced a number of setbacks that prevented him from doing so. Earlier this month, Musgrove even admitted he may not return this season.
But Musgrove has earned his way onto the 26-man roster for October as a relief pitcher. He has reportedly worked very hard over the last few weeks with the coaching staff to make a return in any capacity.
There’s a chance Musgrove could make his 2026 debut in the wild-card series opener against the Cubs, which begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
