Musgrove (who last pitched in '24) a surprise add to Padres' Wild Card Series roster

The San Diego Padres have officially activated Joe Musgrove as part of their roster for the upcoming Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. According to reporting from MLB.com, the move is considered a surprise addition to the postseason lineup. Musgrove has not pitched in a Major League Baseball game since 2024, meaning he has been absent from professional competition for two years. The team is integrating him back into the active rotation just as they prepare for their high-stakes series against the Cubs. Coverage of this development is widespread across major sports networks, with ESPN and CBS Sports both confirming that Musgrove had been out of action since 2024.

USA Today emphasizes the rarity of the situation, highlighting that the Padres have included an All-Star caliber player on their playoff roster despite the fact that he has not pitched in two years. MLB Trade Rumors also reported on the activation, noting the specific move to bring the pitcher back for the postseason push. The context for this move is centered on Musgrove's status as an All-Star and his long period of inactivity. Because he last pitched in 2024, his return comes after a significant gap in his career, making his presence on a Wild Card roster an unconventional decision by the Padres management. The move suggests a desire to bolster the pitching staff with experienced talent for the series against the Cubs, regardless of the time elapsed since his last official appearance.

Looking forward, the primary point of focus will be Musgrove's actual performance in the Wild Card Series. Since the coverage establishes that he has not pitched in an MLB game in two years, the sports world will be monitoring how he handles the transition back to competitive play. The outcome of the series against the Cubs will depend in part on how this surprise activation impacts the Padres' overall pitching strategy and whether Musgrove can contribute effectively after his extended absence.