Padres add Joe Musgrove, who hasn’t pitched in an MLB game in two years, to playoff roster vs. Cubs

The Padres pulled a surprise roster move ahead of their Wild Card Series clash against the Cubs. Among their 26 roster selections for the opening-round series was veteran right-hander Joe Musgrove. The 33-year-old Musgrove has not pitched in the majors since making a start against the Braves in Game 2 of the 2024 Wild Card Series on Oct. 2. That means Musgrove, should he pitch in the 2026 postseason, is set to see big-league game action for the first time in almost two years.

Shortly after making that start in the 2024 postseason, Musgrove was diagnosed with a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, and he underwent Tommy John surgery in October of that year. Musgrove's recovery from the procedure was halting and marked by setbacks. Earlier this season, Musgrove made four minor-league rehab starts, but he had his return to the Padres pushed back because of a back issue. Now, though, he's poised to play a pivotal role for San Diego in one of the most compelling first-round series of this year's playoffs.

It remains to be seen how the Padres use Musgrove, but a role in the bullpen seems the most likely role.

As the San Diego Union-Tribune…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/