Padres News: Joe Musgrove Begins Normal Offseason After Ending Year on IL

Could we see a healthy Musgrove throughout the 2024 season?

The 2023 San Diego Padres were as bad as can be. It was a mix of bad play, a ton of drama, and injuries, and we're talking injuries. One of their most notable injuries was of their righty ace, hailing from El Cajon, California, Joe Musgrove. 

Musgrove's season ended on the IL as he was dealing with right shoulder inflammation. He was hoping to return by season's end, but with a shot at the playoffs thrown out the window, there was no need. 

Now, as we head into a new season, it seems as if Mugrove will be fully ready by spring training in 2024. 

Joe Musgrove’s shoulder is evidently fine, and he is doing his normal offseason routine with the expectation he will be full strength come spring training.

(Via San Diego Tribune)

That is an excellent sign for the Friars and their 30-year-old ace. Before the injury, Musgrove was dealing, winning four of his last five games. In those games, he pitched in 31 innings and allowed only 22 hits, five runs, and 36 strikeouts. The one-time All-Star was as good as he's been all season, but unfortunately, that was cut short. 

Musgrove and the team will now do their best to move forward and get back on track for the 2024 season. The Padres have all the assets to compete with the best of them, and if healthy, they can make some noise and remind everyone of who they are.