Story perspectives

Padres' Joe Musgrove Likely Out for 2026 Season Opener

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove is expected to begin the 2026 season on the injured list while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Manager Craig Stammen confirmed Musgrove's recovery has not progressed as hoped, making him unlikely for season opener.
The Padres are evaluating their rotation options.
The rotation options include Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Randy Vásquez.
The team aims to protect Musgrove's health by prioritizing season availability.

History

Historical Context

In 1974, Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, known as Tommy John surgery, on pitcher Tommy John, who later won 164 games post-surgery. This innovative procedure has since been performed over 25,000 times, significantly impacting player recovery and injury management in baseball, with approximately one-third of MLB pitchers having undergone it by 2014.

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Story summary

San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove is expected to begin the 2026 season on the injured list while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Manager Craig Stammen confirmed Musgrove's recovery has not progressed as hoped, making him unlikely for season opener.
The Padres are evaluating their rotation options.
The rotation options include Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Randy Vásquez.
The team aims to protect Musgrove's health by prioritizing season availability.

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