Joe Musgrove Remained Sidelined Following Rehab Start
San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove has not faced hitters since his August 27 minor league rehabilitation appearance.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Baseball
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San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove has not faced hitters since his last minor league rehabilitation game on August 27, 2026. He is currently limited to playing catch while experimenting with throwing intensity.
Why it matters
Musgrove is managing his recovery from October 2024 Tommy John surgery, with recent rehabilitation outings requiring longer recovery periods than expected. The team is managing his workload as they consider potential postseason availability.
Joe Musgrove holds a career win-loss record of 66-62 with a 3.73 ERA. He is under contract for $20 million for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The players
Joe Musgrove
A professional pitcher for the San Diego Padres who has been recovering from surgery since late 2024.
Craig Stammen
The current manager for the San Diego Padres who has been overseeing personnel updates.
The details
Manager Craig Stammen confirmed that Musgrove is restricted to playing catch, as high-intensity sessions prevent him from throwing on consecutive days. While he may return as a relief pitcher for the postseason, expectations are set for a full recovery to his previous performance levels in 2027.
Timeline
October 2024: Joe Musgrove underwent Tommy John surgery.
August 27, 2026: Musgrove made his last rehabilitation start for the El Paso Chihuahuas.
September 19, 2026: Craig Stammen provided the latest update on Musgrove's status.
2027: Projected return to previous performance levels.
Roadmap
The recovery process for Joe Musgrove follows established Tommy John surgery rehabilitation protocols, which dictate carefully monitored throwing intensities. This disciplined approach reflects the standard industry priority of ensuring long-term pitcher health over immediate roster needs.
Musgrove is currently unavailable for the starting rotation, forcing the Padres to rely on alternative bullpen strategies. Fantasy owners should note he is being considered for a potential relief role rather than a starting position for the remainder of the postseason.
The takeaway
Effective injury management is critical for high-value athletes returning from major surgical procedures. Fans should monitor ongoing progress reports as the team evaluates his readiness for high-intensity competition.
Further reading
For more information on the team, visit San Diego Baseball.
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Should the Padres prioritize active players over waiting for injured stars during a postseason push?
