San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove will be sidelined for three weeks due to inflammation in his right shoulder capsule, according to an MRI. This injury comes as a blow to the Padres’ playoff chances, as Musgrove has been a key contributor to the team’s success this season. Here’s what you need to know about Musgrove’s injury and its impact on the Padres.
Musgrove had been experiencing minor shoulder stiffness in his past few outings, which gradually worsened. As a result, the team decided to scratch him from his scheduled start and replace him with Nick Martinez. The 30-year-old pitcher has been impressive this season, boasting a 10-3 record with a 3.05 ERA.
The Padres acquired first baseman Ji Man Choi and veteran pitcher Rich Hill from the Pittsburgh Pirates at the trade deadline. Hill has been added to the major-league roster, providing additional depth to the pitching staff. However, Hill is not expected to fill the void left by Musgrove as a frontline starter.
Currently, the Padres are in fourth place in the NL West with a record of 54-55. They are four games back for the final wild-card spot, making every game crucial for their playoff hopes.
Musgrove’s injury could potentially be season-ending, depending on the severity of the damage to his shoulder. He will undergo another MRI once the inflammation subsides, and the team remains optimistic about his return next month. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline.
Replacing Musgrove in the rotation will be a challenge for the Padres. Rich Hill will make his debut for the team on Sunday and is expected to remain in the rotation. However, he was initially acquired as a fifth or sixth starter, not as a frontline pitcher like Musgrove. Michael Wacha, who is currently on the injured list with shoulder trouble, could potentially return to the rotation next week if his rehab start goes well.
Another option for the Padres is Nick Martinez, who provided three scoreless innings in an emergency start on Wednesday. Martinez’s ability to provide length in his outings will be crucial, especially with starter Seth Lugo nearing a career-high in innings.
In conclusion, Joe Musgrove’s injury is a significant setback for the San Diego Padres as they push for a playoff spot. His absence from the rotation will put additional pressure on the remaining pitchers to step up and perform. The team will need contributions from players like Rich Hill, Michael Wacha, and Nick Martinez to fill the void left by Musgrove. The Padres’ playoff chances will heavily depend on how well they can navigate this challenging situation and continue to compete in a highly competitive NL West division.