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Musgrove's Injury Recovery Hits Snag, Padres Pitching Uncertain
9 Apr
Summary
- Joe Musgrove experienced a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
- Musgrove has not yet begun throwing off a mound, a key step in his process.
- His return is now estimated for May or later, with a cautious approach taken.

San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove has suffered a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, impacting the team's pitching staff ahead of the regular season. Musgrove missed the entire 2025 season following the procedure and did not progress as hoped after a March 4 exhibition start.
Currently, Musgrove has not yet begun the crucial step of throwing off a mound. Manager Craig Stammen described the recovery as "slow and arduous," indicating that Musgrove's return will likely take considerable time, possibly not until May or later.
The Padres are adopting a cautious approach, allowing Musgrove to progress day by day. While he has been playing catch every other day, the overall process is slower than anticipated. The team emphasizes that Musgrove's complete health is paramount, avoiding any premature return that could lead to another setback.
In his last healthy season in 2024, Musgrove was a key starter, posting a 3.88 ERA over 99.2 innings. His absence exacerbates the Padres' existing concerns about starting pitching depth, making his eventual return a significant hope for the team.