Padres can’t let Joe Musgrove’s uncertain return become their excuse at the trade deadline

The Padres would love for Joe Musgrove’s return to be the answer to their rotation needs. It’s one of the cleanest stories possible. Especially if they can hang around long enough in the playoff race. Unfortunately, that’s not a realistic plan.

Annie Heilbrunn’s latest story in the San Diego Union-Tribune offered a brutally honest look at what Tommy John recovery actually looks like for pitchers, and Musgrove’s comments poured cold water on the entire thing.  

Musgrove made it pretty clear that his road back has been pretty messy. His surgery was more than just Tommy John. Doctors also cleaned up bone spurs and repaired his flexor tendon, which means he has essentially been rehabbing multiple elbow issues at the same time. 

The Padres cannot let Joe Musgrove’s rehab timeline shape their deadline plans

Musgrove explained that the ligament is usually going to be strong after Tommy John surgery. The problem was the other parts of the elbow still had to cooperate. He hoped to help during a previous playoff push. That didn’t happen. So then they pushed it back for spring training to become the target. That also didn’t go the way anyone wanted after another elbow issue popped up. Now the Padres are here again, needing pitching help and clarity.

And once again, Musgrove’s return sits in the background like a tempting excuse. One that the Padres cannot fall for.

If Musgrove comes back and gives San Diego meaningful innings this season, that’s a massive win. But the front office cannot approach the deadline like those innings are guaranteed. Musgrove’s own words made that obvious. 

The Padres need to treat Musgrove like a bonus, not the solution.

He’s been honest about the process, especially when progress stalls and there is no easy explanation. As fans, we don’t always see that. We see rehab updates, throwing programs, occasional timelines, and we certainly don’t miss the setbacks. But the players going through those programs are living a much harder version of it. 

Padres fans haven’t seen Musgrove on the mound since Oct. 3, 2024. He’s been trying to get his body to cooperate after surgery, pain and adjustment. No one knows what version is coming back. That should be enough for the Padres to know they can’t wait around for him.

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