Padres News: Joe Musgrove Admits He May Not Pitch Again This Season

If this is the end, it's a frustrating way to go.

San Diego's place in the standings hasn't been up to expectations all season long, but even their last-ditch efforts may not be enough to motivate one of their own to return from injury. 

Admitting that the team's lackluster performance would determine whether or not he'd come off the injured list, Padres starter Joe Musgrove knows that there is much more baseball for him than just this one possibly lost season. 

“It dictates a lot based on where we’re at in the process,” Musgrove said. “There’s no need for me to be rushing and pushing things back if we’re out of this thing. But I have full confidence that we’re going to be in it, so these first two weeks are going to be important in just laying down the foundation work and being able to open up from there. … It’s difficult knowing that there’s a chance I might not touch a mound again this year. But every part of me mentally and physically is preparing to be able to get at least one more (start) in the regular season and then be strong for the playoffs.”

via Kevin Acee, San Diego Tribune

Before suffering a shoulder injury last month, Musgrove started 17 games for the Friars and pitched well as one of the key cogs in the rotation. 

Tossing 97 innings, Musgrove threw for a 3.05 ERA, 97 strikeouts, a 1.14 WHIP and a WAR level of 2. 

An All-Star last season, Musgrove's individual performance has been on a similar level even if his team as a whole hasn't been the best in either the NL West nor the Wild Card race. 

In an effort to preserve himself and his later career, Musgrove understandably would rather fully heal for next season's action rather than re-aggravate his injury into something more serious.