Source: Fox Sports
Summary
Joe Musgrove, 34, is on the San Diego Padres’ NL Wild Card Series roster after missing the 2025 and 2026 seasons due to a right elbow injury. He last played on Oct. 2, 2024, and had Tommy John surgery. Musgrove made four rehab appearances in August and has been throwing in instructional games. The Padres selected him over Randy Vasquez, Wandy Peralta, Casey Mize, and Griffin Canning. Miguel Andújar and Ethan Salas also made the roster.
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
Musgrove hasn’t played in two years. He’s back in the postseason. The Padres took a chance. Vasquez and Peralta were left out. Andújar is on the roster despite a broken wrist. Salas is the youngest catcher in postseason history. The team is gambling on experience and potential.
It’s the same story every year. Injuries. Comebacks. Longshots. The roster feels like a last-minute scramble. Fans know the script. They’ve seen it before.
The result wasn’t surprising by the end.
Musgrove’s return feels like a desperate move. The Padres are trying to fill a hole. They’re not betting on the future. They’re betting on what they know. Even if it’s broken.
Author: Evan Null
Joe Musgrove’s Return
Joe Musgrove is back on the Padres’ roster for the NL Wild Card Series, nearly two years after his last major league appearance. He hasn’t played since Oct. 2, 2024, when he injured his right elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery. He missed the 2025 season and part of 2026 due to a slow recovery.
Musgrove made four rehab appearances in August but struggled with postgame recoveries. He has been throwing in instructional league games this month, and the Padres decided to include him on their 11-man postseason pitching staff. His inclusion over other options like Randy Vasquez and Wandy Peralta surprised some fans.
The Padres are taking a risk with Musgrove. He’s 34 and hasn’t played in over two years. But they see something in him. Maybe it’s experience. Maybe it’s hope. Either way, he’s back in the mix.
His return feels like a last-minute decision. The team is trying to fill a gap. They’re not looking for a miracle. They’re looking for a familiar face. Even if it’s been a long time since he last stepped on the mound.
Musgrove’s presence on the roster shows how quickly things can change in baseball. One moment, you’re on the shelf. The next, you’re back in the postseason. It’s the same for every player. The question is, will he be ready?
Miguel Andújar’s Inclusion
Miguel Andújar was also added to the Padres’ Wild Card Series roster despite not playing since July 19 due to a broken wrist. He took at-bats at Petco Park on Monday, showing he’s still trying to get back. His inclusion surprised some fans, but the team clearly believes in his potential.
Andújar’s return is another example of how baseball teams try to keep players in the mix. Even if they’re not fully ready, they’re still given a chance. It’s the same for every player. If you’re on the roster, you’re still part of the story.
The Padres are playing it safe with Andújar. They’re not putting him in the lineup yet, but they’re keeping him around. It’s a gamble, but it’s one they’re willing to take. They know the risks, but they also know the rewards.
Andújar’s presence on the roster shows how much the team is willing to invest in players who are still recovering. It’s not just about the present. It’s about the future. Even if it’s not clear yet.
His inclusion is another sign that the Padres are trying to keep their options open. They’re not just relying on their best players. They’re trying to build depth. Even if it means giving a chance to someone who hasn’t played in months.
Ethan Salas’ Breakthrough
Ethan Salas, the Padres’ 20-year-old catcher, made the Wild Card Series roster as expected. If he plays in the series, he will become the youngest catcher ever to appear in the MLB postseason. Salas was called up Sept. 1, becoming the youngest player to catch a major league game since Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez in 1991.
Salas had a slow start but finished the regular season with 10 hits in his last 24 at-bats. His performance earned him a spot in the postseason. It’s a big deal for a young player, and it shows how much the Padres believe in his potential.
Salas’ inclusion is another sign that the Padres are looking to the future. They’re not just relying on veterans. They’re giving young players a chance to prove themselves. It’s a risky move, but it’s one they’re willing to take.
His presence on the roster shows how much the team is investing in its young talent. They’re not just looking for immediate results. They’re looking for long-term success. Even if it means giving a chance to someone who’s still learning the game.
Salas’ story is just one of many in the Padres’ roster. It shows how the team is balancing experience with youth. It’s a delicate balance, but one they’re trying to maintain. Whether it works or not remains to be seen.
The Postseason Roster
The Padres’ Wild Card Series roster includes several unexpected names. Joe Musgrove, Miguel Andújar, and Ethan Salas are among the players who made the cut. The team had to make tough decisions, choosing Musgrove over more established options like Randy Vasquez and Wandy Peralta.
It’s clear the Padres are taking a calculated risk. They’re not just relying on their best players. They’re trying to build depth and give younger players a chance. It’s a gamble, but one they’re willing to take.
The roster feels like a last-minute decision. The team is trying to fill gaps. They’re not looking for a miracle. They’re looking for a familiar face. Even if it’s been a long time since that face last stepped on the field.
The choices made by the Padres show how much they value experience. They’re not just looking for the best players. They’re looking for the ones who can help them win. Even if it means taking a chance on someone who hasn’t played in a while.
The roster is a mix of veterans and young players. It’s a balance that the team is trying to maintain. Whether it works or not remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Padres are trying to win.
The Pattern of Comebacks
Joe Musgrove’s return is just one of many examples of players coming back after long layoffs. It’s a common story in baseball. Injuries happen. Players get sidelined. Some come back. Others don’t. Musgrove is one of the few who made it back.
The Padres’ decision to include him shows how much they value his experience. Even though he hasn’t played in over two years, they still see something in him. It’s not just about the present. It’s about the future. They’re hoping he can help them win.
Musgrove’s return feels like a last-minute decision. The team is trying to fill a gap. They’re not looking for a miracle. They’re looking for a familiar face. Even if it’s been a long time since that face last stepped on the field.
It’s the same for every player. Injuries happen. Comebacks are rare. But when they do happen, they’re celebrated. Musgrove’s return is another example of that. It’s not just about the game. It’s about the story.
The pattern is clear. Players come back. They fight. They try. Some make it. Others don’t. Musgrove is one of the few who made it. That’s what fans remember. That’s what makes the game interesting.
