Good Morning San Diego: Joe Musgrove’s return to majors was one of best moments of Padres’ season

Gaslamp Ball's Thomas Conroy argues that Joe Musgrove’s return to the San Diego Padres was one of the best moments of the 2026 season. After spending two seasons rehabilitating from Tommy John surgery and navigating several difficult physical setbacks, Musgrove made his season debut during the postseason. Manager Craig Stammen brought him in to preserve an 8-0 victory against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series.

Musgrove subsequently pitched two innings against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the NL Division Series. Although the Padres were eliminated in the division round, Conroy highlights Musgrove's resilience throughout a grueling two-year recovery process and notes that the pitcher aims to improve his delivery consistency heading into next season.