Full Breakdown
Joe Musgrove Expected to Start 2026 Season on Injured List
3/17/2026, 1:18:39 PM
Injury Status and Recovery Timeline
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove is anticipated to begin the 2026 Major League Baseball season on the injured list as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. Manager Craig Stammen confirmed this expectation, stating, "He's most likely going to start on the IL this year," citing the difficulty in ramping Musgrove up to a level where he can effectively pitch five innings and throw 90 pitches. Musgrove last pitched in a competitive game on October 2, 2024, during the National League Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves, where he exited due to elbow stiffness.
Spring Training Performance
During the current spring training, Musgrove has made only one appearance, facing Great Britain's World Baseball Classic team on March 4. In that outing, he threw 60 pitches over two innings, allowing five hits and one run while recording three strikeouts and one walk. Despite this effort, his recovery has not progressed as hoped, leading to the decision to prioritize his long-term health over immediate participation in the season opener.
Impact on the Padres' Rotation
Musgrove's absence creates significant uncertainty within the Padres' starting rotation. With Musgrove sidelined, the team will rely on pitchers such as Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Randy Vásquez, while also considering options like Germán Márquez and Walker Buehler, who is attending spring training on a minor league contract. Stammen noted that the team has depth and competition among pitchers, stating, "We've got a lot of depth; we've got a lot of competition here in spring training."
Official Statements & Responses
Stammen emphasized that the decision to start Musgrove on the injured list was part of a planned approach to ensure he is ready for the entire season, not just Opening Day. He remarked, "This was part of the plan, and we knew he was going to have to take some time off." The manager expressed confidence in the remaining pitchers, indicating that they would be smart and patient in making decisions regarding the rotation.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Padres' management is optimistic about Musgrove's long-term recovery, some analysts and fans express concern over the team's depth and the potential impact on their early-season performance. Musgrove's history of injuries raises questions about the team's ability to maintain competitiveness without one of their top pitchers.
What's Next
As the season approaches, the Padres will finalize their rotation plans, with decisions expected just before Opening Day on March 26 against the Detroit Tigers. The team may consider unconventional strategies, such as starting with a four-man rotation, to navigate Musgrove's absence effectively.
Verbatim Quotes
- "He's most likely going to start on the IL this year." — Craig Stammen, Padres Manager
- "This was part of the plan, and we knew he was going to have to take some time off." — Craig Stammen, Padres Manager
- "We've got a lot of depth; we've got a lot of competition here in spring training." — Craig Stammen, Padres Manager
