San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove returned from a nearly two-year injury absence on Tuesday. He worked through a high-pressure, bases-loaded situation in the ninth inning to seal an 8-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Petco Park.
- A Long Road Back From Tommy John Surgery
- Padres Bullpen and Roster Decisions
- Looking Ahead in the Series
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Joe Musgrove’s last MLB appearance before his return?
- What was the final score of Game 1 of the Padres-Cubs Wild Card Series?
- What role is Joe Musgrove playing for the Padres upon his return?
- Why did Joe Musgrove miss the 2025 season?
- Who are the catchers on the Padres’ postseason roster?
Entering in relief with a comfortable eight-run cushion, the 33-year-old right-hander gave up two singles and a walk to load the bases before escaping the jam unscathed. The hometown hero received a resounding, emotional welcome from the capacity crowd as he officially closed out the opening victory in the best-of-three postseason series.
A Long Road Back From Tommy John Surgery
The appearance marked Musgrove’s first Major League Baseball game since October 2, 2024. On that date, he pitched against the Atlanta Braves in the postseason before undergoing Tommy John surgery for a torn UCL. Subsequent rehab setbacks kept him sidelined for the entire 2025 season and much of 2026. However, he steadily ramped up his activity, pitching in an instructional league contest and taking batting practice just weeks prior to receiving the call.
President of baseball operations A.J. Preller expressed absolute confidence in the veteran pitcher leading up to his surprise roster inclusion. Preller noted that you always bet on Joe Musgrove regarding his character, and that his stuff has been good. He added that the team trusted Musgrove’s opportunity to compete in a big spot.
Padres Bullpen and Roster Decisions
Musgrove joins a deep San Diego bullpen that features Jason Adam, Yuki Matsui, Adrian Morejon, David Morgan, Bradgley Rodriguez, and Mason Miller. Operating strictly out of the bullpen as a postseason reliever allows manager Craig Stammen to deploy Musgrove in targeted situations. This approach avoids placing the burden of a traditional starting workload on his recovering arm.
In addition to Musgrove’s dramatic return, the Padres made headlines by carrying three catchers on their wild-card roster: Luis Campusano, Freddy Fermin, and top prospect Ethan Salas. At just 20 years old, Salas became the youngest catcher in MLB postseason history. This milestone punctuated a strong September push after he had struggled early following his September 1 call-up.
Looking Ahead in the Series
With Game 1 safely in the win column behind a stellar pitching performance and timely hitting, San Diego holds a vital 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three series. While Michael King handled the starting duties for the opener, the Padres retain formidable rotation depth featuring Robbie Ray, Nick Pivetta, and Walker Buehler should the series extend.
For Musgrove, simply stepping back onto the mound at Petco Park in a meaningful October game marked a massive personal victory. If his brief, dramatic ninth-inning outing is any indication, the veteran right-hander could play a pivotal role for the Padres as they chase a deep postseason run.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Joe Musgrove’s last MLB appearance before his return?
Joe Musgrove last pitched in a Major League Baseball game on October 2, 2024, during the postseason against the Atlanta Braves, before suffering a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery.
What was the final score of Game 1 of the Padres-Cubs Wild Card Series?
The San Diego Padres defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-0 in Game 1 at Petco Park.
What role is Joe Musgrove playing for the Padres upon his return?
Musgrove has returned to the team as a relief pitcher working out of the bullpen to carefully manage his workload following his long recovery.
Why did Joe Musgrove miss the 2025 season?
He missed the entire 2025 season and most of the 2026 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery and navigating subsequent rehab setbacks.
Who are the catchers on the Padres’ postseason roster?
The Padres carried three catchers on their wild-card roster: Luis Campusano, Freddy Fermin, and 20-year-old top prospect Ethan Salas.
