San Diego – The San Diego Padres announced Tuesday that veteran right‑hander Joe Musgrove will be part of the club’s 26‑man roster for the National League Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. The decision comes nearly two full years after Musgrove’s last appearance in a major‑league game.
Recovery and recent activity
Musgrove last pitched for the Padres on Oct. 2, 2024, when he exited a clinching Wild Card victory over Atlanta with a right elbow injury. He subsequently underwent Tommy John surgery, missed the entire 2025 season, and was also sidelined for the 2026 regular season as his recovery progressed more slowly than expected.
In August, the 34‑year‑old made four rehab appearances, but he said post‑game recoveries remained difficult. This month he has been throwing in instructional‑league games, and Padres officials say they were impressed with what they saw.
Roster choices
Manager Craig Stammen selected Musgrove over several other candidates, including dependable right‑hander Randy Vasquez, left‑handed reliever Wandy Peralta, recent trade‑deadline acquisition Casey Mize, and fellow pitcher Griffin Canning. The move underscores the club’s confidence in Musgrove’s health and his ability to contribute in high‑leverage postseason situations.
Outfielder Miguel Andújar also earned a spot on the roster, despite not having played since July 19 because of a broken wrist. He took at‑bats at Petco Park on Monday, providing additional depth for the Padres’ offense.
Young talent on the squad
Twenty‑year‑old catcher Ethan Salas made the Wild Card roster as expected. If he appears in the series, Salas will become the youngest catcher ever to play in an MLB postseason game, a milestone not achieved since Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez in 1991. Salas was called up on Sept. 1 and finished the regular season with 10 hits in his final 24 at‑bats after a slow start.
What the move means for San Diego
By adding Musgrove, the Padres signal a willingness to trust experienced arms that have demonstrated resilience and a commitment to the club’s long‑term success. The decision also reflects a broader strategy of blending veteran presence with youthful energy, a formula that has helped the team remain competitive throughout the season.
Fans can look forward to seeing Musgrove take the mound in the upcoming series, hoping his arm is fully ready to help San Diego advance deeper into the playoffs.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
