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Musgrove's Comeback: Padres Star Eyes Best Pitcher Title
5 Mar
Summary
- Padres manager believes Musgrove can be National League's best pitcher.
- Musgrove pitched two-plus innings in his first game since surgery.
- Tommy John surgery recovery often takes up to two years for full feeling.
Seventeen months after undergoing Tommy John surgery, pitcher Joe Musgrove has taken his first steps toward a full return. Padres manager Craig Stammen expressed confidence in Musgrove's potential to be the National League's top pitcher. Musgrove pitched two-plus innings in an exhibition game on Wednesday, throwing 60 pitches.
Musgrove indicated that many pitchers don't feel fully recovered until around the two-year mark. He aims for consistent starts and productivity, rather than a specific inning count. The Padres are relying on Musgrove, a top performer from 2021-2023, to stabilize their rotation amidst other injury concerns.
In his exhibition outing, Musgrove's fastball averaged 94 mph, an increase from 2024. Despite some rust and a challenging first inning, he completed two frames. His next start is anticipated in a Cactus League game, with his official return likely in late March before the Padres' season opener.
