Padres' Musgrove Looks to Bounce Back After Injury

Pitcher Joe Musgrove will be eased back into action after missing 2025 season with elbow injury.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove is expected to be a full participant in spring training, but the team will closely monitor his workload early in the 2026 season as he looks to bounce back from missing the entire 2025 campaign due to an elbow injury.

Why it matters

Musgrove's return is crucial for the Padres, who are looking to contend in the NL West after a disappointing 2025 season. The team will need to balance bringing Musgrove back slowly to avoid re-injury while also getting him up to speed to contribute to the starting rotation.

The details

Musgrove missed the entire 2025 season due to an elbow injury that required surgery. The Padres will take a cautious approach with his workload in spring training and the early part of the 2026 season to ensure he is fully recovered and ready to contribute to the starting rotation.

  • Musgrove is considered a full participant in Padres spring training camp.
  • The Padres will closely monitor Musgrove's workload early in the 2026 season.

The players

Joe Musgrove

Padres pitcher who missed the 2025 season due to an elbow injury.

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What’s next

The Padres will evaluate Musgrove's progress throughout spring training and determine an appropriate plan for easing him back into the starting rotation to begin the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Musgrove's return from injury is a key storyline for the Padres as they look to bounce back in 2026. The team's ability to manage his workload and get him up to speed will be crucial to their success in the competitive NL West.