One of the biggest questions that’s surrounded the San Diego Padres this season has been: when will Joe Musgrove return to the mound?
The question that everyone has wondered finally has an answer.
Sort of.
YouTuber and viral Twitch Streamer FaZe Rug was sitting in a restaurant before he began recording a video and randomly ran into Musgrove. The content creator, who is also a Padres fan, asked the veteran when he would be back on the bump.
Musgrove, 33, a native of El Cajon, located just outside of San Diego, told the streamer that he was actually heading out for a rehab assignment and couldn’t get into the specifics of his return but said he’s “Within the weeks here.”
It stands to reason that the Padres ace will make it back to the rotation in time for the final postseason push.
Musgrove has been working his way back from having offseason Tommy John Surgery in 2024 and was expected to pitch for San Diego this season.
However, during an exhibition spring training game, Musgrove’s return suffered a major setback after throwing 60 pitches over two-plus innings.
The Padres’ right-handed pitcher then attempted to throw a bullpen session on March 8, but felt some discomfort and was shut down once again.
In July, he began ramping back up, tossing throwing bullpen sessions and was sent out for his first rehab assignment on August 4.
Musgrove has made three starts during his rehab. In his most recent start, Musgrove threw 4 ⅔ innings, striking out five, but allowed nine hits and five runs.
Since the All-Star break, San Diego has played much better baseball. They are 20-12 since the midsummer classic, while sitting in second place in the National League West. The Padres currently hold the final wild card spot with a 67-61 record.
But Musgrove may be needed to hold down that spot. The Arizona Diamondbacks are just one game back, with a slew of others not far behind.
