Taylor Bicht
2 min read • October 03, 2024
Posted in
(Update 10/4/2024: Padres GM AJ Preller announced that Joe Musgrove has a UCL injury and will undergo Tommy John surgery. Musgrove will not pitch in the NLDS and will be sidelined for all of 2026)
During Game 2 against the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove had to leave the game prematurely after throwing just 44 pitches. His velocity was noticeably down, something catcher Kyle Higashioka quickly picked up on. Following a mound visit to assess the situation, Musgrove was removed from the game. Although there was no clear video evidence of a new injury, in-game analysis suggested that his ongoing bone spur issue might be flaring up. Bone spurs are a condition that can be managed, but they do not disappear, raising concerns for Musgrove and the Padres' season.
Musgrove's first stint on the injured list (IL) in 2024 occurred in early May, when he missed 20 days between starts due to triceps tendinitis. Though he returned to the mound after that break, it wasn't long before another issue surfaced. Musgrove's second IL stint, which lasted more than two months, was due to a bone spur in his pitching elbow. As a result, he was sidelined for both June and July, unable to make any starts during that period.
In total, Musgrove has had two significant IL stints in 2024, both related to right elbow inflammation, which has caused him to miss 63 games. The pitcher has openly admitted that he has been dealing with bone spurs in his elbow for a couple of years. To relieve some of the stress on his elbow, Musgrove has adjusted his delivery, relying more on his legs and keeping his shoulder more closed. These modifications have allowed him to manage the condition, but they haven't fully eliminated the underlying problem.
Regardless of these adjustments, Musgrove's recurring elbow issues pose a serious concern for the Padres’ postseason hopes. With the bone spurs continuing to linger throughout the season, his availability and effectiveness remain uncertain, potentially undermining the Padres' chances at a deep World Series run. The persistent nature of this injury casts a shadow over both Musgrove's health and the team's championship aspirations.
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Written by Taylor Bicht
