Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove has suffered damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow and will undergo Tommy John surgery, per general manager A.J. Preller. Alden González of ESPN was among those to relay the announcement on X. The club hasn’t provided a timeline but Musgrove is sure to miss the entire 2025 season, given that recovery from Tommy John surgery generally takes 14 months or longer.
The news isn’t totally surprising, as Musgrove has been battling elbow issues all year, but it’s still rough for the righty and the club. By the end of May he was already on the injured list for the second time this year, both of those stints due to right elbow inflammation. In early June, it was reported that he had a bone spur in that elbow, which eventually kept him out of action until August.
He had struggled earlier in the season but finished strong. By the time of that second IL stint, he had made ten starts but with a 5.66 earned run average in that time. After returning in August, he posted a 2.15 ERA in seven starts down the stretch. He struck out 29.1% of opponents and walked 4.1% in that stretch run.
It seemed he was in strong form and set to be a key part of the club’s postseason staff. After Michael King shoved in the first game of the club’s Wild Card series against Atlanta, Musgrove was given the ball for the second contest. He struck out four opponents without issuing a walk through 3 2/3 innings but then departed the game with members of the training staff, having thrown just 44 pitches. The Friars later announced his issue as elbow tightness.
The Padres managed to win that game and move on to face the Dodgers in the Division Series, but manager Mike Shildt announced earlier today that Musgrove wouldn’t be appearing in the series. Shildt stopped short of making any declarations beyond that, but it’s now clear that Musgrove’s injury will impact far more than just the NLDS.
In the short term, the Padres will try to navigate the postseason without Musgrove. They have King, Dylan Cease and Yu Darvish as their best rotation options, with Martín Pérez and Matt Waldron also possibilities to contribute.
They will also have to get through the entire 2025 season without Musgrove, which should make starting pitching an offseason priority again. Darvish is still under contract while both King and Cease can be retained via arbitration for one more season before they are slated to reach free agency after 2025. Pérez is an impending free agent but Waldron is still in his pre-arbitration years.
Cease, King, Darvish and Waldron is a decent foursome but the club will presumably look to bolster that group. A lack of starting pitching depth was a notable storyline going into last winter, which prompted the club to target that in the Juan Soto trade. When they flipped Soto to the Yankees, they brought back King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez and Drew Thorpe, with Thorpe later flipped to the White Sox as part of the deal to get Cease.
Brito was mostly used in relief this year. Vásquez made 20 starts but with a 4.87 ERA and tepid 14.4% strikeout rate. He also struggled badly in the minors, posting an 8.21 ERA in Triple-A. Perhaps someone like Adrián Morejón could be stretched out after his solid year in the bullpen, but there would be risk with his notable injury history.
Budgetary concerns were a notable factor for the Padres last winter as well. The club’s streaming deal with Diamond Sports Group had collapsed in 2023, forcing MLB to take over the broadcast as the club received less revenue in that department. That led to the Padres dealing Soto and ducking under the competitive balance tax.
RosterResource pegs San Diego’s 2025 CBT number at $184MM, well south of next year’s $241MM base threshold. However, that number doesn’t account for contracts for arbitration-eligible players. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects San Diego’s eight-player class for a total of $46.7MM. A few non-tenders could drop that number but most of it is going to core players like King, Cease and Luis Arráez, so the Padres are probably more accurately slated to be in the $230MM range before making any offseason moves.
Preller will have to address the departures of impending free agents like Ha-Seong Kim, Jurickson Profar, Donovan Solano and Kyle Higashioka. If the budget is tight again, he might have to get creative in the winter, which wouldn’t be unusual for him. He is one of baseball’s most active decision makers and is seemingly always involved in all free agent and trade talks. With this news, he will have one more item on his to-do list. Musgrove is under contract through 2027 and is making $20MM annually as part of the five-year, $100MM extension he and the club signed in 2022.
getrealgone2
Ouch!
FletcherFan
Perfect time for my O’s to buy low on him
BlueSkies_LA
This Dodger fan thinks this comment sucks.
FletcherFan
Perfect time for you to buy low on my comment
BlueSkies_LA
You’d have to pay me.
FletcherFan
Perfect time to buy low on BlueSkies_LA
BlueSkies_LA
When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
FletcherFan
Perfect time to buy low on a shovel
Rsox
Hard to “buy low” on a guy making $60 million over the next 3 years. Plus the Orioles may want pitchers who will actually be able to pitch next season
Unclemike1525
All the bad stupid jokes aside it’s horrible news and worse timing. Playing the Dodgers you’d probably want your best P available for the Series against them. Hopefully Darvish steps up and earns his paycheck for once. Still should be interesting.
JoeBrady
Perfect time for my O’s to buy low on him
======================
He’s sign thru 2027, and will likely miss half that time in recovery.
baked mcbride
As an Orioles fan, I apologize to the baseball world for this person’s comment. This comment does not reflect the general ideological soundness of our informed fan base. I’m looking forward to next season’s Orioles heroics and I wish all the teams except the Yankees and Royals the very best of luck the rest of the way. Especially the Guardians. Go Guard’s!
JoeBrady
TBH, I am still not sure what he said wrong. Unless it was a backhanded dig at the Os. that I didn’t understand, doesn’t the entire planet revolve around trying to buy low?
BlueSkies_LA
Since my response set off this digression, an explanation. I made it because the thinking behind the comment seemed to be gaining something from the misfortune of others. As a Dodgers fan I could easily say they caught a break with Musgrove’s injury, but I take no joy in getting it this way and I don’t have a lot of use for people who do.
baked mcbride
Because it makes no sense for the O’s. Sure, let’s take on another post TJ guy. LOL.
Brew88
@Fletcherfan The Padres aren’t considering trading Musgrove, he signed through 2027, and is the closest thing to a home town hero as there is in MLB
@Blueskies. Classy as always. As a Padre fan I also take no joy in all the injuries that have besieged LADs this year. Much respect and best of luck in the games…
FletcherFan
You’re forgetting the Orioles are the best team with the best farm system and they could trade for any player they wanted to. Baseball should be called Orioleball with the way they changed the game with their sheer genius
FletcherFan
Thanks for explaining your moronic interpretation of my initial post and your self-serving response. Hope you didn’t hurt yourself patting yourself on the back over how good of a person you are 🙂
Brew88
Now explain to me what a Full No Trade Clause means for you, genius
FletcherFan
Hey Brew I’d like to explain to you that Musgrove would clearly waive his NTC for the once in a lifetime privilege of joining THE Baltimore Orioles but you muted me because you’re a 70 IQ homunculus who doesn’t like to be ideologically challenged. SAD!
BlueSkies_LA
Thanks Brew. Tonight’s game took a couple of years off my life but I’m sure it’s going to be worth it.
BlueSkies_LA
Good luck with that. Some people take pride in their rottenness.
JoeBrady
I made it because the thinking behind the comment seemed to be gaining something from the misfortune of others.
=======================
I understand the sentiment, but that’s kind of how the world runs. When the housing market hits the shoals, folks with money swoop in and buy. If your business gets over-extended, another business will look to buy assets cheap.
As a RS fan, I always think the same way. Your misfortune becomes my opportunity, and vice versa.
Butter Biscuits
Not a big threat
snoopy369
That’s very unfortunate for Joe and the Padres – not only really bad timing but now losing at least all of next season plus more probably. Hoping for a speedy recovery.
getrealgone2
He’s gonna be gone for all of next season at least.
TuneSquad
He’ll be fine for ’26. He’s got and 16 months until spring training.
Mustard Tiger
As a Dodgers fan I’d really like the Padres to deal some prime prospects for Crochet. They’ll likely get no more than 10 starts from him before he’s on the IL for the rest of the season.
avenger65
Mustard: I’d like Crochet to go to a contender and a reunion with Cease would be great. Crochet avoided the IL this year but he only went 4 innings in all of his starts no matter what his pitch count was.
JoeBrady
That’s not particularly close. He averaged 5.1 IP/GS through the end of June, with 11 starts of 6 innings or great, and 15 with 5 innings or greater.
Further, he pitched 4 innings in each of his last 3 starts, with an amazing 18/1 K/W. Those 4 innings are only slightly off the league average of 5.1/GS.
I’d be more concerned about his complete lack of history prior to 2024. As good as he was in 2024, he only had 3 career wins prior to this year.
James Midway
Well that sucks. Hope it goes well. See you in 26 Joe.
Blackpink in the area
Sucks of course but the timing isn’t bad for him personally. He should be healthy for all of 2026.
utah cornelius
Except if he really still wanted a chance to go deep in the postseason. If that meant a lot to him. Then it really is bad for him. I mean, what if his injury happened in November instead. That probably would have been best for everyone.
Blackpink in the area
Yes November would have been ideal.
old elpaso
Damn, that sucks.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Yeah, this sure removes some of the luster from his ears.
Butter Biscuits
Less than 100 innings the last 2 years and now missing next year that contract extension they gave him looking awful
truthlemonade
Your comment is unclear. I thought you meant he threw fewer than 100 innings in 2023-2024 combined.
He threw 97.1 in 2023, and 99.2 in the 2024 regular season, but if you include the playoffs, he pitched more than 100 innings in 2024.
I know he has been hurt a lot, but he hasn’t missed THAT much time.
TuneSquad
The contract is actually still decent. When he does pitch he’s solid. Sure, he’ll miss all of ’25, but he’s got 16 months until ’26 spring training. Plenty of time.
The qualifying offer has already reached 20 mil, and that will only climb, as well rates for aces. As long as he can pitch decently in those last 2 years he’ll be a bargain at his current rate.
I Believe We Can Win
Speedy recovery for Java Joe
Padres should bring back Perez on a 1 or 2 year deal
Darvish Cease King Perez and Waldron Brito Vasquez battling for 5th.
Simm
I think they will go out and add another arm even if Perez comes back.
I Believe We Can Win
Agreed they probably add some guys who fit into the pen as long relief types.
Definitely think they need sign or trade for a ss.
Maybe they can pry away Mateo, Urias for cheap from the O’s.
This one belongs to the Reds
Explains why he’s not pitching in the NLDS!
oscar gamble
Bummer!
Blah blah blah
I am trying to remember the last time that a guy being tabled for elbow/forearm tightness DID NOT soon lead to Tommy John. It seems automatic these days. Hit the shelf with a “strain”, and then go under the knife. Nobody bouncing back without surgery.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Masahiro Tanaka. He would’ve probably had TJS today bc the prognosis is so much better.
Rexhudler86
@Yankees the only one that comes to mind recently. He wasn’t the same but pitched through it.
YankeesBleacherCreature
@Rexhudler86 And went back to Japan to continue to pitch. He’s definitely an outlier that his UCL didn’t snap.
Rexhudler86
@YBC. They did shut him down if I remember correctly and he did stem cells. Players probably figure it’s going to happen at some point so why prolong it.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Yeah, you’re right. He would’ve done UCL brace surgery at the minimum today which would’ve been a bit longer than the time he was shut down and *hoping* treatment worked.
BlueSkies_LA
I don’t know that makes him an outlier. Quite a few pitchers have gone the platelet injection route, presumably for the less severe UCL sprains.
Rexhudler86
@blueskies I feel like Tanaka was the last one maybe they don’t disclose it anymore. Just say shut down for three months
YankeesBleacherCreature
@BlueSkies_LA We know with the medical data now that a X% UCL tear at this specific location gives X% chance that PRP will work. Wasn’t much of that when Tanaka got hurt.
BlueSkies_LA
I’m sure the medical science has advanced quite a bit on this injury since then.
David White
Reynaldo Lopez was placed on the IL on August 2 with “right forearm tightness”. He returned shortly thereafter.
CardsFan57
That escalated quickly
YankeesBleacherCreature
Booo….!
trout27
It just seems inevitable that pitchers will need TJ surgery. This is a real blow to the Padres. I still think they can win the series against the Dodgers but his absence will make it much tougher.
ZackMorris
Have mercy! Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery, Joe.
Mojo37
ugh. hate to see this.
ZackMorris
Looking forward to this Dodgers/Padres series.
10centBeerNight
Oh man.
Rishi
I always feel like it’s so odd that within a day and a half it’s already been decided to have Tommy John surgery. I guess maybe it’s a real bad tear and was obvious but still. I mean did he even have time for a second opinion? I don’t believe he’s had it before so I guess he’s just like “let’s get it started”.
Cam
He’s been dealing with elbow issues all season – I’d think by this point the medical staff are across what’s going on and know what’s required.
Rishi
What’s required is always a matter of opinion but specifically he obviously just tore the ligament (I mean do you think he’s pitching with a torn UCL?) so the past has nothing to do with it except that it likely contributed to it.
jdgoat
Damn that sucks
drprofsps
As a rangers fan. I saw this guy in person throwing a no hitter against us. He’s the real deal, your fans will miss you next year. Be blessed speedy recovery!!!
Gwynning
Tommy Joe Surgery
CravenMoorehead
I’m sorry homie. Regardless you folks got an exciting baseball team and hope to see your squad make a deep run this year.
Rexhudler86
@gwynning just make sure tatis doesn’t eat tainted horse meat that causes ring worm that pops him for a dirty test
utah cornelius
I was so looking forward to a Dodgers-Padres series. I still hope it happens, but there will be a what if? feeling about it, especially if they lose the matchup Joe would have been in.
Simm
Dodger will say the same about their pitching.
It is what it is, neither team will have a fully healthy pitching staff.
Neon Cop
Dodgers are missing Kershaw the choker. Hardly the same thing…
Cave
Are you serious? Glasnow, Gonsolin, Sheehan, Ryan, Stone, May, etc. literally a full pitching rotation. Not to mention the other injuries they’ve had. LOL.
Neon Cop
None of these pitchers would do much damage in the playoffs, except MAYBE Glasnow & everyone already knew he’d be hurt.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Cave
Neon is a jealous troll who attacks the Dodgers whenever he posts.
Neon Cop
Jealous of decades of failure? Curious
Cam
It’s good trolling when people are sure if you’re saying stupid things to get a reaction, or if you’re saying stupid things because you are genuinely stupid.
Well done neon guy.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
statmuse.com/mlb/ask/most-wins-by-an-mlb-team-sinc…
Neon Cop
Where are the full season WS wins? Who cares about non-playoff wins…
@Cam, no clue who you are, but I think you meant to write “aren’t sure” — proofread next time, dumdum!
frankiegxiii
For some weird reason I think the Dodgers Padres series you wanted is actually going to happen.
Will there be a what if feeling about the results of games Glasnow, Kershaw, River Ryan, Stone, Gonsolin, Sheehan, and May would have been in?
norcalblue
Priceless frankieg! Best retort of the day on this board.
SteveFinleyEnthusiast
To be fair, the Dodgers have a full rotation plus Honeywell and Graterol on the shelf.
Birdie man
Not surprised
Neon Cop
They still shouldn’t have too much trouble with LA. Unless Manfred gets involved…
Oldguy58
Shohei just doubled down on their series
The McNasty1
Lady Karma doesn’t forget an address.
Simm
Brian Kinney is that you?
HankAaronDidGreenies
Should be back in time for the NLCS
Brew88
I know this isn’t at all the outcome Musgrove wanted, and I applaud his effort to avoid this, but it did seem inevitable. The Pads have a very good team coming back next year and while it’s just really unfortunate Joe won’t be playing, he will be a clubhouse force.
SteveFinleyEnthusiast
Unfortunate turn of events. Wishing Joe a speedy recovery and a successful rehab. I’m sure the Friar Faithful look forward to welcoming him back to the fold in 2026.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
There couldn’t be a worse time to need TJS. Padres had a chance against LA before this. Not sure about now.
straightuphonestguy
I don’t expect the Padres to win against LA, but it’s a much bigger deal in subsequent rounds than the NLDS. Joe would’ve been tabbed for two turns in the NLCS and WS if either were to go that long. He’ll be missed though.
Shrutefarm
I’m not so sure about that. Still have Cease, King, and some guy named Darvish, not to mention that backend of the BP. Plus, the lineup is still complete. .
norcalblue
I think you’re correct about all that Sf. Padres are indeed formidable and remain so despite Musgrove going down. Should be an exciting series. Too bad it’s not 7 games. Teams this good deserve better.
Nolf10
Creative must be meaning “creative” bookkeeping
mookiesboy
Is he sure? Just rub some Vasoline on it
Gwynning
It was Icy Hot, and Buck kept rubbing those radars like a genie was gunna pop out
VegasMoved
Why would someone put icy hot on their ears?
Gwynning
It stimulates nerve receptors and blocks pain signals to the brain. Try it sometime if you have a headache!
PronounsRUS
They will dedicate the rest of their playoff run to the memory of Joe. The nation will pull together and get through this. Every padre fan is entitled to a 750.00 payout for their loss.
towinagain
Love you Joe! Gamer! Did everything you could!
JSubs
Joe Musgrove like Tyler Glasnow learned the Roger Beshens Football Slider in May 2018 with the Pirates.
If Musgrove knew the Football Slider the prior year, 2017, with the Astros they NEVER would have let him go.
Musgrove made his money cause of the Football Slider, never would have threw the no hitter and signed the big contract.
Joe decided to lessen his Roger Beshens Football SLider usage and throw the cutter much more and that bad tilt on that cutter destroyed his elbow. There’s no reason to morph a cutter to be closer to a Roger Beshens Football Slider or no reason to morph a RB Football Slider to more like a cutter. There’s nothing like the real thing baby which is…..Roger Beshens Football Slider.
The team that throws it the best wins the World Series every year.
Musgrove and Glasnow BOTH should visit Roger Beshens and talk about what he showed Strom in the Dbacks Clubhouse in May 2024.
straightuphonestguy
It’s a real bummer to lose Kim and Joe during playoff time, but the Padres had pretty good health for most of the year. Just how the cookie crumbles.
JSubs
The Padres are fine, full of Roger Beshens Football SLider guys.
Joe Musgrove messed his arm up with the Cutter. Ditch that thing already. Dylan Cease, Michael King, Yu Darvish and the whole bullpen will push ahead with the RB Football Slider to the World Series.
websoulsurfer
How many accounts will you have banned? Seems like you are shooting for a record.
JSubs
Remember in 2018 when Musgrove, Glasnow, Taillon, Clay Holmes, Mitch Keller were nothing in Pitt?
Then they got the Twitter message that helped them get stupid rich, changed their LIFE. helped elevate their game.
They appreciate it so much they can’t even speak the truth and the league they play in calls it a Sweeper or a gyro.
Pathetic individuals not giving credit where due.
Old York
Thoughts and prayers that he survives the surgery.
HiredGun23
Next man up…no use focusing on what is done.
Monkey’s Uncle
Loved Joe as a Pirate and have wished him well since. Come back strong Joe.
Skeptical
As a Pirate fan, I concur. Really appreciated his attitude.
408inthe619
¡¡¡¡¡ $%@&@&#%@$#&$ !!!!!!!!
wvpirate
Musgrove a good guy and a class individual. Hope everything goes well with the surgery and recovery.
Mustard Tiger
Joe must think he’s on the Dodgers roster. WTF? We should shut down MLB for a season and have every pitcher get TJS.
greatgame 2
He’ll make 20M next year and not work
mlb fan
“and not work”…I’m pretty sure that rehabbing from injury in professional sports is quite a bit of work.
darkknight920
Preller is already planning his next move for the Madres.
websoulsurfer
His name is Snell.
johnnybadd2019
Sucks for Java Joe
JoeBrady
Tough break, but SD still has a legit chance against LAD.
jorge78
Ugh! Just like last year, he skips out to use the bathroom just when the chips are on the table.
I seriously wonder about his internal mental fortitude…..
websoulsurfer
Read through this article. This is the surgeon that is rumored to be handling Musgrove’s care and surgery, drchrisahmad.medium.com/triple-tommy-john-tj3-expl…
YankeesBleacherCreature
That’s interesting with TJS evolving. This could potentially make pitchers coming back from “TJ3” even stronger and more durable than pre-injury/surgery.
LordD99
That’s $20MM down the drain in 2025, but he should be back in form for the last two years of his deal in ’26/’27.
Dubbs
Maybe he should slather some of that ear glistening goop on his elbow. It works like a charm.
Mickey Solis
Lucky piece of garbage Dodgers they bought enough depth of starting pitching and now their scumbag fake fans are probably celebrating this because these entitled pr*cks think they deserve their first legitimate World Series since 1988. I’m sick thinking about how this is going to cost perennial underdog San Diego this series.
B-rocker
“I’m sick”
Truer words were never written.
Mickey Solis
Why because you’re a bandwagon Dodgers fan that can’t name more than six players and someone hating the scum of the earth team is “sick?” Fair enough.
B-rocker
Get help Mickey. Your anger will kill you. On second thought…
CO Guardening
Bummer. Sound like they knew it was coming, but so close to the end.
cash3w
That sucks. I was happy to see him leave the wild card game early, but not for this. He looked great during his last start, too. Get back soon, Joe.
JSubs
Ask Joe about the Roger Beshens Football Slider.
ckc12537
Valdez for Merrill
JSubs
When Joe went more cutter than the Roger Beshens Football SLider it was downhill.
Joe stuck in the Pirates Org. in 2018 with Glasnow, Taillon, Keller, Holmes, Crick, Trevor Williams and then they ALL get the Message from Roger Beshens. On center grip, throw like Football, Stiff wrist..
Imagine if they didn’t learn that RBFS? They all would be avg or below.
JSubs
Hello Darkness my old friend. Reminds me of Glasnow with the RED hand in TB that was a TJ/ Now he may have to get another one and now Joe. Say it ain’t so Joe say it ain’t so.
100 Million dollars does get the wins it used to.
JSubs
How much does a Joe Musgrove win cost a team?