Padres Pitcher Joe Musgrove to Miss Start of 2026 Season

Musgrove recovering from Tommy John surgery, expected to begin year on injured list

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:04pm

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San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove will have to wait to return to the mound, as he is expected to begin the 2026 MLB season on the injured list as he continues recovering from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.

Why it matters

Musgrove was projected to be a key part of the Padres' starting rotation this season, so his absence will test the team's pitching depth early on. The Padres will now have to rely on other arms like Randy Vásquez, Griffin Canning, German Marquez and Walker Buehler to fill in the rotation.

The details

Musgrove, 33, hasn't pitched since March 4 and hasn't thrown enough during spring training to be ready for the regular season. Padres manager Craig Stammen said 'We're getting to the point where he's taken enough time off that it would be hard to ramp him up to get him to be a viable starter that can throw five innings, 90 pitches.' The right-hander was projected for the third spot on San Diego's starting staff behind Nick Pivetta and Michael King.

  • Musgrove missed all of the 2025 season following Tommy John surgery.
  • Musgrove threw 60 pitches in two innings of an exhibition game against Great Britain before the World Baseball Classic on March 4.
  • Musgrove was shut down after a bullpen session four days later with a 'cranky' arm.

The players

Joe Musgrove

A 33-year-old right-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres who is recovering from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres.

Nick Pivetta

A starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres.

Michael King

A starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres.

Randy Vásquez

A pitcher who will move up in the Padres' starting rotation with Musgrove's absence.

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What they’re saying

“We're getting to the point where he's taken enough time off that it would be hard to ramp him up to get him to be a viable starter that can throw five innings, 90 pitches.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

“This was part of the plan, and we knew he was going to have to take some time off. We knew we were going to have to get him ready for the entire season and not just opening day.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.