Joe Musgrove to Resume Throwing for Second-Half Return

Joe Musgrove is preparing to resume his throwing progression this week, marking a critical step in his journey back to the mound for the San Diego Padres. The veteran right-hander will start slowly, beginning with the use of plyo balls.

This move comes nineteen months after Musgrove underwent Tommy John surgery and follows a setback that sidelined him for more than two months. The team and the pitcher are now targeting a return to major-league competition this summer.

Understanding the Recovery Setback

Musgrove’s path to recovery was interrupted following a March 4 spring training exhibition against Great Britain’s World Baseball Classic team. The resulting 11-week shutdown from throwing was not related to the ligament graft from his previous surgery.

According to Musgrove, the issue is bone-related, specifically a stress reaction on the olecranon. He has been utilizing injections to help calcify the bone, noting that the recovery has required significant time without impact.

Did You Know? Joe Musgrove is the author of the first no-hitter in San Diego Padres history.

The Stakes for the Padres Rotation

The timing of Musgrove’s return is significant for a pitching staff described as a “suspect” rotation. The Padres are also currently without Opening Day starter Nick Pivetta, who has been unable to resume throwing since suffering an elbow flexor strain in April.

Joe Musgrove gives recovery update with the San Diego Padres

Musgrove’s availability is a primary concern given his contract and history. Since signing a five-year, $100 million deal in 2023, he has been limited to 197 regular-season innings due to various toe, elbow, and shoulder injuries.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the Padres are balancing the urgent need for rotation stability with the high stakes of Musgrove’s long-term health. With multiple starters sidelined, the pressure to return is high, but the bone-related nature of this setback suggests that any rushed timeline could risk further complications.

Looking Ahead: The Path to the Second Half

While Musgrove expressed a desire to return sooner, he believes that realistically, a return would likely occur right after the All-Star break. He indicated that while a relief role is a possibility, the goal is to build up enough strength to return as a starter in the second half.

To prevent future issues, Musgrove has been visiting the Padres’ biomechanics lab to analyze past video of his delivery. He is also monitoring the recovery of other players, such as Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell, who underwent NanoScope procedures.

While not currently a candidate for such a procedure, Musgrove mentioned that a NanoScope to remove bone spurs could be a possible next step if his current bone spur becomes a problematic issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Joe Musgrove expect to return to the Padres?
Musgrove believes a realistic return would likely be right after the All-Star break, as he needs time to build up his innings to return as a starter.

What caused the recent delay in Musgrove’s recovery?
The delay was caused by a bone-related stress reaction on the olecranon, rather than an issue with the ligament graft from his Tommy John surgery.

Is Nick Pivetta also injured?
Yes, Nick Pivetta suffered an elbow flexor strain in April and, like Musgrove, hopes to return in the second half of the season.

How do you think the Padres’ rotation will hold up if their key starters return after the All-Star break?