Rehabbing a sports injury can be a thankless job. All the time and effort can be for naught.
Even considering Joe Musgrove’s extensive arm injury history, he was the one starting pitcher the Friar Faithful could rely on in a big game. Since undergoing Tommy John surgery in the winter of 2024, the big right-hander has not pitched in a major league game. But 2026 was supposed to be different…then another injury occurred.
While working his way back from injury, Musgrove was abruptly shut down after sustaining a bone bruise in his throwing elbow after one spring training appearance. The San Diego Padres placed him on the 60-day injured list.
Fast forward to September, and Musgrove’s condition hasn’t changed much.
Has Musgrove played his last game in Brown & Gold
During his rehab start for Triple-A El Paso, Musgrove was clocked up to 97 MPH in the outing. It looked promising that he could rejoin the Padres starting rotation. However, the following day, Musgrove began experiencing arm fatigue and elbow pain.
His comments to the press about the recent setback led to speculation that this could be the end of the road for Musgrove’s pitching career. You could sense the frustration in his voice because Musgrove cannot guarantee his availability to the team.
His absence has been felt because of the leadership he offers to the entire pitching staff.
What a career in front of the hometown folks
If this is the end of Musgrove’s career, it is difficult to evaluate. The hometown kid nicknamed “Java Joe” has delivered plenty of memorable moments for the Friar Faithful.
His first month with the Padres was unforgettable. Musgrove threw the franchise’s first no-hitter against the Texas Rangers on April 9, 2021. Ten days later, he struck out a career-high 13 Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park. Finally, the 2022 postseason will be best remembered for Musgrove’s seven-inning shutout performance against the New York Mets in the deciding game of the Wild Card series.
The odds are good that he will not pitch again this season. Time is running out for Musgrove to get healthy and make an impact down the stretch.
The Friars are locked in a tight race to secure a postseason berth. In the past, you wanted Musgrove on the hill because he delivered when it mattered the most. Now, other pitchers will have to take on the task of claiming a playoff spot.
As for Musgrove’s future, he has earned the right to dictate his own timeline for his next career move.
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