Padres Pitcher Musgrove Faces Setback, Machado's Viral Kick Sparks Controversy

San Diego Padres news includes an ominous update on Joe Musgrove's recovery and Manny Machado's viral kick play against the Red Sox.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:59pm

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The San Diego Padres secured their first series win of the 2026 season, but the team is facing some concerning news on the injury front. Pitcher Joe Musgrove provided an ominous update on his recovery from Tommy John surgery, saying he is still in the early stages of his throwing program and is not yet throwing off the mound. Meanwhile, star player Manny Machado was involved in a viral incident during a game against the Boston Red Sox, where he kicked a ball that was thrown to pick him off, allowing him and a teammate to advance. Machado claimed the incident was unintentional.

Why it matters

The Padres' pitching rotation has already faced challenges this season, and the potential loss of Musgrove for an extended period would be a significant blow. Additionally, Machado's viral kick play has sparked some controversy, raising questions about sportsmanship and whether the incident was truly unintentional.

The details

Musgrove suffered a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery this spring, forcing him to open the season on the injured list. He said he is just in the beginning stages of picking up a throwing program and is not yet throwing off the mound. Machado, meanwhile, was involved in a play where he collided with a throw on a pickoff attempt by Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez, kicking the ball into foul territory and allowing both he and teammate Jackson Merrill to advance a base. Machado claimed the incident was unintentional, saying he was trying to get out of the way of the ball.

  • Musgrove suffered the setback in his recovery during spring training.
  • The Padres' series against the Red Sox took place on April 6, 2026.

The players

Joe Musgrove

A right-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Manny Machado

A star player for the San Diego Padres who was involved in a viral incident where he kicked a ball during a pickoff attempt.

Carlos Narváez

The Boston Red Sox catcher who made the pickoff throw that Machado kicked.

Jackson Merrill

A Padres player who was able to advance a base along with Machado after the kicked ball incident.

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What they’re saying

“Nah, I mean, I'm trying to get out of the way. It was perfect timing. ... You're trying to bounce up and get out of that way of that ball, you know?”

— Manny Machado

“I'm just in the beginning stages of picking up a throwing program. I'm pretty basic right now. I'm not throwing off the mound yet.”

— Joe Musgrove

“During the spring I wasn't feeling my best. I was capable of going out throwing, but just not recovering great. I pushed myself trying to see if I could break through. Maybe it's part of the process of building back up and breaking down the scar tissue or what not.”

— Joe Musgrove

What’s next

The Padres will continue to monitor Musgrove's recovery progress and provide updates on his timeline for returning to the mound. The team will also likely review the Machado incident and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted.

The takeaway

The Padres' pitching depth is being tested early in the season, and the team will need to find ways to overcome the potential loss of Musgrove for an extended period. Additionally, the Machado incident has raised questions about sportsmanship and player conduct, which the team will need to address.