Joe Musgrove's Season Ends Prematurely with Tommy John Surgery

The San Diego Padres' ace pitcher, Joe Musgrove, will miss the remainder of the postseason and likely the entire 2025 season due to the need for Tommy John surgery. Musgrove experienced elbow tightness during Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series and was removed from the game.

The San Diego Padres' postseason aspirations have been dealt a significant blow with the news that ace pitcher Joe Musgrove will undergo Tommy John surgery, effectively ending his season and likely keeping him out for the entire 2025 season.

Musgrove, who started Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves, was forced to leave the game after just 3⅔ innings due to elbow tightness in his throwing arm. The initial diagnosis raised concerns, and subsequent tests confirmed the worst-case scenario.

Joe Musgrove's Season Ends Prematurely with Tommy John Surgery

The 30-year-old right-hander has been hampered by injuries throughout the 2024 campaign. His season ended early last year due to inflammation in a shoulder capsule, and he struggled mightily at the beginning of this season, compiling a 5.66 ERA in his first 10 starts.

However, Musgrove showed signs of returning to form towards the end of the regular season, pitching to a 2.15 ERA in his final nine starts. His overall performance resulted in a 3.88 ERA for the season.

Joe Musgrove's Season Ends Prematurely with Tommy John Surgery

Despite his recent resurgence, Musgrove experienced discomfort during Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, walking off the field with a trainer and visibly emotional. He later expressed his devastation at not being able to finish the journey he had started with the Padres.

Doctors had previously informed Musgrove that the condition of his elbow was a "matter of time," and the pitcher acknowledged that "the writing was on the wall." Following a thorough evaluation, it was determined that Tommy John surgery was the only viable option to repair the injured ligament.

Joe Musgrove's Season Ends Prematurely with Tommy John Surgery

Musgrove's absence is a major setback for the Padres, who were counting on him to be a key contributor in the postseason. He figured to be a potential starter for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which begins Saturday night.

The Padres will have to adjust their pitching rotation in Musgrove's absence, and other pitchers will be called upon to step up and fill the void left by one of their most reliable starters. Despite this setback, San Diego remains optimistic about their chances in the playoffs, having already overcome the Atlanta Braves to advance to the NLDS.