Joe Musgrove made his long-awaited return last night, but he wasn’t the only San Diego Padres pitcher to have a breakthrough yesterday.
Padres All-Star Makes Return; Another On The Way Back
Joe Musgrove returned to the mound in Petco Park yesterday after being on the injured list for 77 days with right elbow inflammation. The crowd was elated to see their 2022 postseason hero again, but he looked a little different. His first pitch for the Padres, a 94-mph ball outside, had a new power. His form was tighter, stronger, and twistier on the mound.
During his time on the injured list, he tweaked his distribution, working on engaging his legs more in his delivery to relieve some of the pressure from his arm. The Padres pitcher also developed his flexibility over the time off, changing the way he twists his body around the ball. These developments have allowed for a smoother follow-through, which was evident during last night’s game.
While the changes may not appear clear at first, they have improved his game. His bullpen sessions and rehab starts showed an increase in velocity before coming back. In Frensco, amid his rehab start, the radar gun clocked his fastball at 96 mph, making it the fastest pitch he has thrown the entire season.
Steaming Cup of Joe
Joe Musgrove’s return was a splendid affair. He went 4.1 innings deep and capped out at the 60-pitch mark with 63 pitches, giving up 0 runs. At the start of the season, he only completed ten starts before going on the injured list. Before last night’s game, his ERA stood at a whopping 5.66, but the Padres had every bit of faith in him. The Padres’ confidence in the right-handed pitcher was backed by his outstanding outing against the Pirates on Monday.
Musgrove didn’t hold back and was able to use his entire pitching stock effectively with numerous off-speed pitches. No one was happier to have him back than the Padres fans. Upon his departure from the game in the fourth inning, they gave him a warm standing ovation.
Padres catcher, Kyle Higashioka, reflected on Musgrove’s impressive return telling Sammy Levitt that he believed Musgrove had comeback “sharper.”
Kyle Higashioka on Joe Musgrove:
“He’s definitely one of the guys who’s the heart and soul of this team….it feels right having him back on this mound again. He was sharp as ever…maybe even sharper than he was at the beginning of the season.”
— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) August 13, 2024
Another Padres Pitcher Comeback Looming
On the other side of San Diego, Padres’ Yu Darvish made progress in his pitching game, sparking rumors of a 2024 season return. Darvish has been missing in action since May. He first graced the IL with an injured groin. He then went down with elbow inflammation in June, further delaying his comeback. In July, he was put on the restricted list to deal with a personal matter. His return to the 2024 season was not expected until yesterday.
Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported that on Sunday, Darvish worked through a live batting practice. According to Lin, interested parties recorded Darvish was in good shape and looking healthy. It seems possible he will return to the 2024 season, with the Padres pushing for a spot in the postseason. Before Darvish was placed on the IL, he made 11 appearances for the Padres. During this time, he posted a 3.20 ERA and 53 strikeouts.
August Rush
These developments couldn’t have come at a better time for the Padres. As they are facing a grueling August stretch with 27 games over the next 28 days. In late September, they also face a decisive series against their division rivals, the Dodgers. A fresh rotation and additional arms are exactly what the doctor ordered.
The return of two key Padres pitchers leaves the team with a plethora of options moving forward. It is a positive adjustment for the Padres’ pitching after limping through a four-man rotation in July, but it is also overwhelming.
Five Men On And One Off
A six-man rotation is possible with the recent return of Joe Musgrove, which would give Padres starters a much-needed breather. This break would come as a relief for Dylan Cease, who had a rough outing against Miami. He struggled with his control after pitching a perfect game earlier in the season. As well as Michael King and Christian Vasquez, who have pitched more innings this season than any other in their big league careers.
However, it does not appear the Padres pitching staff are currently interested in a six-man rotation. Instead, they are reinforcing their bullpen. Their roster currently consists of five starters and eight relief pitchers. After Vazquez was sent down to Triple-A, Carl Edwards Jr. was designated for assignment. If they were to opt for six starters, that would leave them with seven relief pitchers. This system can be strenuous on relief pitchers who pitch for limited innings.
The Padres built one of the best bullpens in the MLB during the trade deadline. Nevertheless, they must keep their pitchers happy and healthy as they move toward the postseason. Perhaps, if Darvish comes back, they will be more interested in a six-man rotation but for now, they seem content with the five-man rotation and cushiony bullpen.
Main Photo Credits: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
