Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Joe Musgrove underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2024 and missed the entire 2025 season. He was expected to return for the 2026 season but suffered a setback in spring training after one exhibition start. As of mid-May 2026, Musgrove has not yet begun throwing off a mound and has no timeline for return. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 7, 2026. Team officials indicate recovery will be a lengthy process, with no expectation of return before the All-Star break at earliest. Musgrove is 33 years old and was an All-Star in 2022 with a 2.93 ERA.
Strengths
- + All-Star caliber pitcher when healthy (2.93 ERA in 2022)
- + Team remains optimistic he will eventually return
- + Veteran pitcher with proven track record of success
- + Contract security through 2027 ($20M annually)
Weaknesses
- - Tommy John surgery recovery progressing slower than expected
- - Suffered setback in spring training after one exhibition start
- - Has not yet begun throwing off a mound as of mid-May 2026
- - No timeline for return established
- - Manager declined to confirm return before All-Star break
- - Age 33 with major elbow surgery complicating recovery
- - Missed entire 2025 season
- - 2024 season limited to 19 starts with 3.88 ERA due to elbow issues
- - Increasingly unclear how much he will pitch under current contract
Injury Status: IL-60 -- Tommy John surgery (October 2024) with post-spring training setback; currently in active rest phase with no mound work cleared
About
Joe Musgrove is a sp for the San Diego Padres.
Player Overview
SP
San Diego Padres