Joe Musgrove development exposes worrying flaw in Padres’ rotation plan

Right-hander Joe Musgrove has been an incredibly reliable asset in the Padres' starting rotation since his arrival in 2021, as over the course of 559⅓ innings pitched, he has logged a 3.20 ERA. He has proven that when healthy, he can be one of the most consistent pitchers in the game.

However, at 33 years old, Musgrove will be facing his biggest test yet, as he is coming off Tommy John Surgery that forced him to ride the pine for the entirety of 2025. In an offseason that was full of questions for the Padres' pitching staff, Musgrove’s status for the start of the season will play a crucial role in how Craig Stammen manages the team.

Joe Musgrove news reveals how thin Padres’ rotation plan really is

Unfortunately for Stammen, Musgrove’s status for opening day may be in limbo, as he has only thrown once since March 4. Musgrove gave an update on where he’s at, and when he believes he’ll be able to let loose.

“Just trying to manage it,” he said Tuesday morning. “Kind of relying on the training staff to help lay out a program for me and a plan. Kind of following their lead. Right now, I’m just kind of day to day until I feel like I’m ready to take the mound. And when I tell them I’m good, we’ll be ready to go.”

The Padres rotation, as it stands, consists of Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Joe Musgrove (hopefully), Randy Vasquez, and Germán Márquez, seemingly claiming the No. 5 spot.

The Padres can’t afford any injuries to the unit, as they don’t have the depth like they used to have when Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert were still around.

San Diego has 12 more spring training games left to play, and this is the opportune time for Musgrove to ramp up before the season’s start. The team needs him, and everyone knows that.