Padres place Joe Musgrove on Wild Card roster as role remains uncertain
The right-hander has not appeared in a major-league game since October 2024, after Tommy John surgery and recovery setbacks.
The San Diego Padres have included Joe Musgrove on their 26-player roster for the Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. The move makes the right-hander eligible to play, but the team has not said whether he will appear or what role he might have.
Musgrove’s last MLB appearance was a start against Atlanta in Game 2 of the 2024 Wild Card Series, on 2 October. He was diagnosed with a torn UCL shortly afterwards and underwent Tommy John surgery that month.
His recovery was delayed by setbacks. This season, he made four minor-league rehabilitation starts, while a back issue pushed back his return to the Padres.
A bullpen role has been raised as a possibility, but Musgrove’s readiness for major-league hitters after the long absence remains uncertain. His roster selection alone does not confirm he will pitch in the series.
