The San Diego Padres have added right-hander Joe Musgrove to their 26-man roster for the National League wild-card series against the Chicago Cubs, according to multiple outlets. Musgrove had not appeared in a major league game since Oct. 2, 2024.
Musgrove's absence followed elbow surgery, commonly reported as Tommy John surgery, and what CBS Sports described as multiple setbacks during his recovery.
Outlets across the political spectrum characterized the move as a surprise, given the nearly two-year gap since Musgrove's last MLB appearance.
How each side covered it
Left
- USA Today noted the roster includes an All-Star who hasn't pitched in two years.
“Padres playoff roster includes All-Star who hasn't pitched in two years” — USA Today
Center
- CBS Sports specified Musgrove's last MLB appearance as Oct. 2, 2024.
- CBS Sports reported Musgrove had elbow surgery and multiple setbacks during recovery.
“Padres add Joe Musgrove, who hasn't pitched in an MLB game in two years, to playoff roster vs. Cubs” — CBS Sports
Right
- The New York Post and Fox outlets described the roster addition as a major surprise.
- The New York Post specified Musgrove underwent Tommy John surgery.
- Fox Sports and Fox News noted Musgrove's nearly two-year absence from MLB games.
“Padres announce wild-card roster with one major surprise” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened with Joe Musgrove and the Padres?
The San Diego Padres added pitcher Joe Musgrove to their 26-man roster for the National League wild-card series against the Chicago Cubs, even though Musgrove had not pitched in an MLB game since October 2024.
Why hasn't Joe Musgrove pitched in two years?
According to CBS Sports and the New York Post, Musgrove underwent elbow surgery, reported as Tommy John surgery, and experienced multiple setbacks during his recovery, keeping him out of MLB games since Oct. 2, 2024.
Who are the Padres playing in the wild-card series?
The San Diego Padres are facing the Chicago Cubs in the National League wild-card series, according to CBS Sports.
How did different outlets describe the roster decision?
Outlets across the left, center and right generally agreed on the core facts, with several describing Musgrove's inclusion as a surprise given his nearly two-year absence from MLB games.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- USA TodayLeft-leaningPadres playoff roster includes All-Star who hasn't pitched in two years
- CBS SportsCenterPadres add Joe Musgrove, who hasn't pitched in an MLB game in two years, to playoff roster vs. Cubs
- Fox NewsRight-leaningPadres Name Joe Musgrove To Wild Card Roster Despite Not Pitching Since 2024
- Fox SportsRight-leaningPadres Name Joe Musgrove To Wild Card Roster Despite Not Pitching Since 2024
- New York PostRight-leaningPadres announce wild-card roster with one major surprise