# Joe Musgrove injury recovery and MLB return > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/joe-musgrove-injury-recovery-and-mlb-return > Updated: 2026-09-05T01:05:07.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 5. San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove is progressing through rehabilitation following Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair performed in October 2024. After spending the 2025 season recovering, Musgrove completed minor league rehab starts in August 2026 with Single-A Lake Elsinore and Triple-A El Paso. While his recent Triple-A outing saw him allow five runs over 4.1 innings, his fastball velocity has increased, averaging approximately 95 mph. Recent data indicates his velocity has fluctuated between 93 and 97 mph, roughly two mph faster than his 2022–2024 average. Musgrove appears to be relying on his cutter as a primary secondary pitch, though he has yet to regain full consistency with his curveball. Following a minor back tweak earlier in his rehab, Musgrove has encountered more significant setbacks. After a Triple-A El Paso outing where he pitched five innings and allowed one run on 60 pitches, he experienced persistent arm soreness that prevented him from participating in scheduled bullpen sessions. Musgrove has reported that high-intensity throwing causes issues that prevent him from even playing catch for several days following outings. He stated he is “running out of answers” regarding his recovery, noting struggles with range of motion and managing soreness, though he does not believe his season is over. Manager Craig Stammen noted that the recovery is not progressing as quickly as desired and emphasized that the surgery was highly invasive. The team is reassessing his status daily and considering workload management options, such as utilizing him as a reliever. With only 22 games remaining and the Padres in a tight National League wild-card race, his return remains uncertain. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Joe Musgrove faces rehab setbacks with San Diego Padres San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove is facing recovery setbacks following Tommy John surgery, stating he is “running out of answers” as high-intensity throwing continues to impact his ability to play catch. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/joe-musgrove-faces-rehab-setbacks-with-san-diego-padres ### 2026-09-02: Joe Musgrove faces setback in Padres rehab assignment San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove faces delays in his return from Tommy John surgery after experiencing arm soreness following a recent Triple-A rehab outing. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/joe-musgrove-faces-setback-in-padres-rehab-assignment ### 2026-08-22: Joe Musgrove faces minor injury setback during Padres rehab San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove faces a minor setback due to a back injury, delaying his return from elbow surgery recovery, though a final rehab start is expected soon. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/joe-musgrove-faces-minor-injury-setback-during-padres-rehab ### 2026-08-20: Joe Musgrove provides injury update for San Diego Padres San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove expects to return to the mound within weeks as he continues rehab assignments. Meanwhile, prospect Ethan Salas remains in the minors despite strong Triple-A performance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/joe-musgrove-provides-injury-update-for-san-diego-padres ### 2026-08-17: Joe Musgrove nears MLB return following Tommy John surgery San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove is nearing a return to MLB after rehab starts in the minor leagues, showing increased fastball velocity following Tommy John surgery. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/joe-musgrove-nears-mlb-return-following-tommy-john-surgery --- Cite as: Joe Musgrove injury recovery and MLB return. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/joe-musgrove-injury-recovery-and-mlb-return