Padres News: Joe Musgrove Still Trying to Return This Season

Musgrove attempting to make a comback

With the chances of the Padres making the playoffs now next to none, the team is shutting down players who have suffered injuries so they can focus on next season. 

Yu Darvish has been shut down for the season after suffering an elbow injury. Another pitcher, however, still thinks he has a shot of returning from the injured list before the season's end. 

Joe Musgrove has been on the IL since August 4th with shoulder inflammation. While at points of the season, it seemed like Musgrove's 2023 year was over, the right-hander is still trying to pitch at some point in the remaining 16 games. 

“I’m obviously very cautious. If anything pops up that doesn’t feel right, I’m gonna slow it down and probably eliminate that opportunity,” Musgrove said. “I would love to get back and have one more chance, whether it’s an opening role or one inning of relief. I know it’s like the risk-reward is a big question, but I feel healthy and I’m very cautious of where I’m at. I’m aware of the same things that they’re worried about me pushing too much and affecting next year. So I’m in the mindset of taking it day-by-day still and following the program as it says with the ultimate end goal of things being perfect and getting one more appearance.”

(Via San Diego Union Tribune)

Musgrove has been one of the Friars' top pitchers this season behind Blake Snell who is making a serious NL Cy Young case.

The righty has a 3.05 ERA in 17 starts. On the season he is 10-3 with a 1.14 WHIP. When he was on the mound, Musgrove was limiting walks and missing bats with a 97/21 K/BB ratio. 

Even is Musgrove can't get healthy enough to pitch this season, the Padres should expect him to be fully ready by spring training 2024.