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Joe Musgrove hasn’t pitched for the Padres since October 2024.
Two years later, the All-Star pitcher has been added to San Diego’s 26-man roster for the National League wild-card series after a long recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Musgrove will work out of the bullpen as a postseason reliever for the Padres. The right-hander joins Jason Adam, Yuki Matsui, Adrian Morejon, David Morgan, Bradgley Rodriguez and Mason Miller in the bullpen.
“You always bet on Joe Musgrove in terms of the person, and the stuff has been good. His opportunity to go and compete in a big spot, you trust him,” president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said.
Musgrove last pitched for the Padres in the 2024 wild-card series against the Braves, the season when San Diego pushed the Dodgers to the brink of elimination in a five-game NLDS.
The 33-year-old was set to make his return in 2026 but experienced a number of setbacks that prevented him from doing so. Earlier this month, Musgrove even admitted he may not return this season.
But Musgrove has earned his way onto the 26-man roster for October as a relief pitcher. He has reportedly worked very hard over the last few weeks with the coaching staff to make a return in any capacity.
There’s a chance Musgrove could make his 2026 debut in the wild-card series opener against the Cubs, which begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Ethan Salas makes history on Padres’ wild-card roster
The Padres opted to carry three catchers on their wild-card roster with Luis Campusano, Freddy Fermin and Ethan Salas. The organization’s top prospect will become the youngest catcher in postseason history.
Salas, 20, was called up to the majors when rosters expanded Sept. 1. After a rough 0-for-15 start, he has finished the month going 10-for-24.
Salas has already made history: He became the youngest catcher to hit two home runs in the same game against the Rockies at Coors Field in a 9-3 Padres victory.
Campusano will likely get the start behind the plate for Game 1, but Salas could easily be San Diego’s starting catcher for Game 2 of the wild-card series.
