Joe Musgrove, a pitcher for the San Diego Padres, will be undergoing Tommy John surgery and will not be able to participate in the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This unfortunate news was confirmed by A.J. Preller, the Padres president of baseball operations. The recovery period for this type of surgery typically ranges from 12 to 18 months, which means that Musgrove might miss the entire 2025 season.
Musgrove expressed his devastation at not being able to continue playing in the series, stating that he needs to come to terms with the situation. He joins a list of other MLB pitchers who have suffered UCL injuries this season, including Spencer Strider, Shane Bieber, Alek Manoah, and Eury Pérez.
The injury became apparent during Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series when Musgrove experienced elbow tightness and had to leave the game. Despite pitching through discomfort for a few weeks, the severity of the injury became more intense recently. This injury has been a long time coming, as Musgrove had been dealing with right elbow inflammation throughout the season, leading to two stints on the injured list.
The pitcher has stated that he will reach out to other players who have had Tommy John surgery to gather more information about the procedure. Musgrove’s absence will be deeply felt by the Padres, as he is not only a talented player but also a beloved figure among fans. His historic achievement of throwing the first no-hitter in franchise history in 2021 has solidified his place in the hearts of Padres supporters.
Despite the setback, the Padres remain determined to compete in the series. Manager Mike Shildt expressed confidence in the team’s ability to move forward without Musgrove on the mound. The Padres will be relying on pitchers Dylan Cease and Yu Darvish to lead the team in the upcoming games.
Musgrove’s absence has been acknowledged by players and coaches from both teams, with many expressing their disappointment at not being able to see him play. While the road to recovery may be long, Musgrove’s teammates are determined to carry his spirit with them as they continue to fight for victory.
As the MLB playoffs continue, the Padres will be facing the challenge of playing without one of their key players. However, with a resilient team spirit and a drive to succeed, they are ready to face whatever comes their way in the upcoming games.
