Musgrove’s Race Against Time for Postseason Return
Joe Musgrove, the right-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres, is facing an unexpected hurdle in his quest to return to the mound this postseason. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in the offseason, Musgrove has yet to make his 2024 debut and has recently reported a minor setback in his recovery.
Setback in Recovery Process
Musgrove described experiencing a “tendonitis-type feeling” in his arm, which has temporarily slowed his progression in throwing. Despite this minor setback, he remains optimistic about ramping up his recovery. “I’m always going to be shooting for that until they tell me it’s out of reach,” Musgrove stated, reflecting his determination to be part of the postseason action.
Laureano Shares His Own Injury Struggles
Musgrove is not alone in navigating injury challenges. Newly-acquired outfielder Ramon Laureano is also working to overcome a setback of his own. After suffering a hairline fracture just three games before the end of the regular season, Laureano now finds himself wearing a splint. When questioned about his chances of returning for October play, he candidly responded, “I have delusional hope, yes.” Musgrove, who is in a different phase of recovery, resonated with Laureano’s sentiments, adding, “Yeah, that’s all you can have right now.”
The Long Road to Recovery
Musgrove’s journey back to the field has been a long one. During spring training, he expressed a strong desire to rejoin his team by October. While recovery from Tommy John surgery typically spans 12 to 15 months, Musgrove’s timeline was notably aggressive, aiming for a quicker comeback. In July, he reaffirmed his goal to pitch in the postseason, stating, “Mentally, I’m trying not to be so committed to, like, ‘Oh, I feel great. I’m gonna be back early.’ Because there are a lot of things that could go wrong between now and then.”
The urgency of his situation is palpable. Musgrove understands that if he hopes to contribute this year, he cannot afford many more setbacks. “If I want to pitch this year, there’s not many more setbacks or time off I can afford to miss,” he acknowledged, emphasizing the pressure to return.
Playoff Aspirations Amidst Challenges
As the Padres gear up for their Wild Card series against the formidable Chicago Cubs, the stakes are high. Musgrove’s potential return could significantly impact the team’s chances, but first, they must navigate past this critical round. The Padres will have an opportunity to even the series on Wednesday, as they aim to continue their pursuit of postseason glory, with Musgrove’s hopeful return hanging in the balance.
