The comeback is real
The San Diego Padres just dropped a massive curveball for their Wild Card Series against the Cubs. They officially added veteran right-hander Joe Musgrove to their 26-man roster, and the hype is real. Musgrove hasn't stepped onto an MLB mound since October 2, 2024, during a Wild Card game against the Braves. After tearing his UCL and grinding through a tough recovery from Tommy John surgery—plus some annoying back issues—he is finally ready to return.
The path back
It’s been a long two years for the 33-year-old. After his surgery, his rehab journey was full of setbacks that pushed his timeline back. He finally knocked off the rust with some minor-league starts and looked sharp in recent live batting practice and instructional league sessions. Real talk: his velocity is actually looking better than before, with his fastball averaging 94.4 mph during his Triple-A rehab starts compared to 92.9 mph in 2024. Musgrove said Sunday, "I do feel the most optimistic I've felt at any time in the last two years."
The game plan
Manager Craig Stammen isn't saying exactly how he’ll be used yet, but it’s highkey likely he’ll be a weapon in the bullpen. With the Padres rotation facing some uncertainty behind Michael King and Nick Pivetta, Musgrove’s presence is a total W for their pitching depth. He’s a proven beast who threw the first no-hitter in franchise history and has plenty of postseason experience, including 26 career relief appearances.
Why it matters
Adding an unknown but talented factor like Musgrove into a high-stakes postseason series against a powerhouse Cubs offense could be the ultimate plot twist. If his arm holds up, the Padres' already deep bullpen just got a whole lot scarier.
