Joe Musgrove's First Week Back On The Mound

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

August 18, 2024

Legendary San Diego Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove pitched in his second game on Sunday following his transfer to the 60-day injured list on June 28. Originally, Musgrove was on the 15-day injured list on June 1, citing right elbow inflammation. However, further complications pushed his start date farther back until August 12. Musgrove had not stopped on the mound since May 26. That being said, his recovery timing couldn’t have been any better given the hot streak the Padres have been on as of late.

Musgrove Holds it Down in First Game Back

Musgrove’s first game was against his former team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. He threw 63 pitches in 4 1/3 innings allowing two hits and no runs. After making his exit to resounding applause from the stands, the Padres led the Pirates 2–1. Despite the limitations of his return game, Musgrove made the most of it and proved his legacy as a valuable member of the team.

Of his return, Musgrove told Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, “I mean, this is where I feel the best. Obviously, with the way we’re playing, I want to be part of that. I want to contribute. So, yeah, it felt incredible to be back out there.”

Musgrove Earns His 1000th Career Strikeout

In their final game this season against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, Joe Musgrove threw to his limit of 73 pitches in 4 1/3 innings allowing three hits and one run. However, it was also in this outing where Musgrove recorded his 1000th career strikeout in the bottom of the fifth inning outfielder Sam Hillard. In this game alone Musgrove had a total of six strikeouts.

In Joe Musgrove’s first week back, he pitched 8 2/3 innings with a combined ERA of 1.04. Before the IL, Mugrove started 10 games, with a combined ERA of 5.66. While it’s too early to call it, Musgrove seems to be adapting quickly to playing again, and will only continue to play at fuller capacity as his restrictions lift.

Finishing Out the Season

The Padres are making a break for the National League West lead from the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won their game on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. The only team standing in their way is the Arizona Diamondbacks were swept by the Rays in Tampa Bay, meaning the Padres get to hold their one-game lead in the NL Wild Card. This most recent series against the Rockies kicks off an 18-straight-game stretch for the Padres. A potential way to get ahead in the Wild Card standings.

Yu Darvish remains on the restricted list, due to personal reasons, however, a possible return this season is definitely in the cards. With only 37 games left in the 2024 regular season, it feels like anything is possible. Joe Musgrove is going to be a key piece for the Padres down the stretch. They will need him to be at his best if their goal is to make a push for the playoffs. It will be very interesting to see what happens.