Joe Musgrove returns, pitches in MLB game for first time since 2024

SAN DIEGO (AP) Veteran pitcher Joe Musgrove began Tuesday as a surprise addition to the San Diego Padres ' roster for their NL Wild Card Series and ended the night by finishing off the Chicago Cubs in an 8-0 victory nearly two full years after his most recent appearance in a major league game.Were banking on him, and of all the guys in the clubhouse, hes probably one of the top guys that you can trust, manager Craig Stammen said before the game.The big right-hander from El Cajon came through, even though it got a little sticky on a perfect night for baseball in downtown San Diego.In a moment that thrilled the sellout crowd of 47,084 at Petco Park, Musgrove jogged in from the bullpen to start the ninth inning with the Padres leading 8-0. He struck out Michael Busch on three pitches. But he then loaded the bases on two singles and a walk, prompting a visit from pitching coach Ruben Niebla.Musgrove got Pedro Ramrez to pop out to second base and then punched out pinch-hitter Michael Conforto to seal the victory that gave the Padres a 1-0 lead in the series.Musgrove pumped his fist and hugged catcher Luis Campusano and his other teammates.I still can't really put it together.

It's been a while since I've been out of the bullpen, Musgrove said. Im managing the nerves and the energy of the stadium. It was different for me, but I was so excited to get back on the mound.

A little bit of nerves coming in, but it felt great.Musgrove hasn't played for his hometown team since Oct. 2, 2024, when he left the Padres' clinching Wild Card Series victory over Atlanta with a right elbow injury. He underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the 2025 season, and he subsequently missed the entire 2026 regular season when his recovery progressed much more slowly than expected.Musgrove couldn't remember what Niebla told him."I was laser-focused on getting the next guy out.

It was pretty much, just calm down a little bit, get some more outs and let's go home."Musgrove also called his return a pretty soft landing right there. Its the most nervous Ive ever been with an eight-run lead before. I'm extremely grateful for these guys for giving me the opportunity, putting up the runs we did.

I was told if we had a clean eighth, Id get the ninth, so Yuki having a clean eighth was good for me.General manager AJ Preller was obviously pleas…