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Joe Musgrove Returns to Padres Wild Card Roster

6:03 PM ETConfirmed

Sports Desk

In Short: San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove made his long-awaited return to the major league mound in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night.

San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove made his long-awaited return to the major league mound in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night.

Musgrove, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2024, was a surprise addition to the Padres' 26-man roster.

The 33-year-old native of San Diego had not pitched in a game since October 2, 2024, when he left a Wild Card Series victory over the Atlanta Braves with a right elbow injury.

Despite his absence, Musgrove's return was met with a rapturous reception from the Petco Park crowd.

Michael King, who struck out Pete Crow-Armstrong on three pitches to open the game, set the stage for Musgrove's comeback.

Musgrove's first pitch in the ninth inning was clocked at 96 mph, and he struck out Michael Busch in a three-pitch battle.

The Padres led 2-0 after the first inning, with the crowd's roar carrying clearly through the television broadcast.

Musgrove's return was the latest chapter in a two-year journey marked by setbacks and recovery.

Ethan Salas, the Padres' 20-year-old catcher, made his Wild Card Series roster debut.

Outfielder Miguel Andújar, who hasn't played since July 19 due to a broken wrist, also made the roster.

The Padres' decision to include Musgrove over other candidates like Randy Vasquez, Wandy Peralta, Casey Mize, and Griffin Canning underscores the team's belief in his potential impact.

Musgrove's return was described as a 'masterclass' by the East Village Times, highlighting the team's need for a strong start to the series.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove made his long-awaited return to the major league mound in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night.
• Musgrove, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2024, was a surprise addition to the Padres' 26-man roster.
• The 33-year-old native of San Diego had not pitched in a game since October 2, 2024, when he left a Wild Card Series victory over the Atlanta Braves with a right elbow injury.
• Despite his absence, Musgrove's return was met with a rapturous reception from the Petco Park crowd.
• Michael King, who struck out Pete Crow-Armstrong on three pitches to open the game, set the stage for Musgrove's comeback.
• Musgrove's first pitch in the ninth inning was clocked at 96 mph, and he struck out Michael Busch in a three-pitch battle.
• The Padres led 2-0 after the first inning, with the crowd's roar carrying clearly through the television broadcast.
• Musgrove's return was the latest chapter in a two-year journey marked by setbacks and recovery.
• Ethan Salas, the Padres' 20-year-old catcher, made his Wild Card Series roster debut.
• Outfielder Miguel Andújar, who hasn't played since July 19 due to a broken wrist, also made the roster.
• The Padres' decision to include Musgrove over other candidates like Randy Vasquez, Wandy Peralta, Casey Mize, and Griffin Canning underscores the team's belief in his potential impact.
• Musgrove's return was described as a 'masterclass' by the East Village Times, highlighting the team's need for a strong start to the series.

What's still developing

• It was King's fastest pitch since 2023, when he was still a Yankee.
• Now 34 years old, Musgrove made four rehab appearances in August, but he said his postgame recoveries continued to be difficult.
• Musgrove has been throwing in instructional league games this month, and the Padres apparently liked what they saw.
• Salas was called up Sept. 1, becoming the youngest player to catch a major league game since Iván "Pudge" Rodríguez in 1991.
• San Diego chose Musgrove for its 11-man postseason pitching staff over several possible candidates, including dependable right-hander Randy Vasquez, lefty reliever Wandy Peralta, trade deadline acquisition Casey Mize and Griffin Canning.
• Joe Musgrove touched 97 mph in his second rehab start on Triple-A El Paso.
• “It’s humbling to see the ovation that I got tonight,” Musgrove said after striking out two and leaving the bases loaded in the ninth in his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2024.
• Meeting the moment, Musgrove began his at-bat with Michael Busch with a 96 mph strike to begin a three-pitch punchout.
• He earned the start by recording a 1.45 ERA and an 18-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 18⅔ innings since coming off the injured list.
• Musgrove then hit 97 mph on the gun before giving up an 0-1 single to Seiya Suzuki.
• Ian Happ walked and a single from Nico Hoerner loaded the bases, prompting a mound visit from pitching coach Ruben Niebla.
• That apparently locked Musgrove back in as he fetched a pop-up from Pedro Ramirez and punched out Michael Conforto looking at an 83 mph curve at the top of the zone to win a six-pitch battle and cap a cinematic return to a big-league mound.

Sources

• East Village Timeslink
• Fox Newslink
• San Diego Union-Tribunelink
• USA Todaylink
• Friarsonbaselink
• Sandiegouniontribunelink
• CBS Sportslink
• 10Newslink
• Thebigleadlink
• WarpBeat — background on Yankees, Red Sox Set for Wild Card Showdown link
• WarpBeat — background on MLB Division Series Matchups Set as Wild-Card Round Ends link
• NBC Sports — video link