Key Takeaways
- Joe Musgrove is expected to start the 2026 MLB season on the injured list due to ongoing recovery from elbow surgery.
- He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2024 after a torn ulnar collateral ligament, missing the entire 2025 season.
- The Padres plan a cautious return for Musgrove, adjusting their rotation with other pitchers like Walker Buehler and Germán Márquez during his absence.
- Once Musgrove returns, the team will carefully monitor his workload for the remainder of the season.
- His rehabilitation progress is crucial for the Padres’ pitching rotation, where he has been a significant contributor in previous years.
San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove is expected to start the 2026 Major League Baseball season on the injured list. The team indicated that the right-hander will likely not be ready for Opening Day. His recovery from elbow surgery continues during spring training. Team officials are monitoring his progress closely.
Musgrove underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2024. The operation followed a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. The injury occurred during the National League Wild Card Series. The procedure forced him to miss the entire 2025 season while completing rehabilitation.
Joe Musgrove recovery continues after elbow surgery
The Padres have taken a cautious approach with Joe Musgrove during his recovery. Team staff want to avoid any setbacks. The pitcher has been progressing through a structured rehabilitation program. However, his schedule slowed during the later part of spring training.
Musgrove pitched in an exhibition game on March 4 against Great Britain’s World Baseball Classic team. The outing was part of his recovery plan. After that appearance, the club paused his next steps to allow additional healing time. Officials described his recovery status as being in a temporary holding pattern.
San Diego plans to delay his return until he is fully prepared for regular-season competition.
Padres rotation plans while Joe Musgrove is sidelined
The Padres will adjust their pitching rotation while Joe Musgrove remains unavailable. The team opens the 2026 regular season on March 26. Other pitchers are expected to fill rotation spots during the early part of the schedule.
Right-handers competing for rotation roles include Walker Buehler and Germán Márquez. Their spring training performances could determine who replaces Musgrove in the short term. The team will rely on available starters until Musgrove completes his recovery.
Joe Musgrove’s role when he returns to the Padres
The Padres expect Joe Musgrove to contribute later in the 2026 season. The club plans to monitor his workload carefully after his return. The goal is to maintain his health for the remainder of the season.
Musgrove has been a key member of San Diego’s pitching staff in recent years. In 2024 he made 19 starts for the Padres. During that season he recorded a 3.88 earned run average across 99.2 innings.
The organization views his return as an important addition to the starting rotation once his rehabilitation is complete.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/padres-rhp-joe-musgrove-expected-open-season-il–flm-2026-03-16/