Padres Release Former Top Prospect, Roster Move Incoming

Joe Musgrove still feeling pain in key pitch, Garrett Hawkins could reach majors in 2026

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher in motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, sand, and orange representing the Padres' team colors and the fractured, multi-perspective nature of the sport.The Padres' roster moves and injury concerns highlight the team's need to balance veteran leadership and young talent as they aim to return to the playoffs.San Diego Today

The San Diego Padres made several roster moves, including the release of a former top-10 overall prospect, while top pitching prospect Garrett Hawkins could make his MLB debut later this year. Additionally, pitcher Joe Musgrove is still experiencing pain when throwing one of his essential pitches as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Why it matters

The Padres are looking to build on their recent success and return to the playoffs, so managing their roster and developing young talent will be crucial. Musgrove's injury status and the potential call-up of Hawkins could significantly impact the team's pitching staff and playoff aspirations.

The details

The Padres officially released a 25-year-old outfielder who was a former top-10 overall prospect. Meanwhile, Padres insider Dennis Lin reported that pitching prospect Garrett Hawkins, the 2025 minor league pitcher of the year, could reach the big-league bullpen by September 2026 after being added to the 40-man roster over the offseason. Lastly, Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove is still feeling pain when throwing one of his essential pitches as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, which is affecting his repertoire and confidence on the mound.

  • The Padres released the former top prospect on Thursday.
  • Garrett Hawkins could reach the majors by September 2026.
  • Joe Musgrove spoke about his injury earlier this week.

The players

Garrett Hawkins

A top pitching prospect for the Padres who was named the 2025 minor league pitcher of the year and could reach the big-league bullpen by September 2026.

Joe Musgrove

A Padres right-handed pitcher who is still experiencing pain when throwing one of his essential pitches as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“In 2026, he could reach a big-league bullpen by September. The Padres added Hawkins to their 40-man roster over the offseason, and he showed glimpses of his ability throughout spring training. Hawkins' repertoire isn't as high-octane as [Bradgley] Rodriguez's, but he possesses a 6-foot-5 frame to go along with a mid-90s fastball.”

— Dennis Lin, Padres insider

“A lot of it is the confidence in the pitch because the pain is related to that specific pitch. Like, when it's called, I'm less likely to want to throw it because it hurts and I know it's not a very sharp pitch. Whereas before, if I get behind in the count, I could throw four different pitches to both sides of the plate and get back in the count and control it, and I just felt in control.”

— Joe Musgrove

What’s next

The Padres will be closely monitoring Garrett Hawkins' progress in the minors to determine if and when he could be called up to the major league roster later this season. Additionally, the team will continue to work with Joe Musgrove on his recovery and managing the pain in his essential pitch.

The takeaway

The Padres are making tough roster decisions as they look to build a contending team, including parting ways with a former top prospect. Meanwhile, the development of young pitching talent like Garrett Hawkins and the health of veteran Joe Musgrove will be crucial factors in the team's success this season.