Joe Musgrove’s long route back to Petco Park reached its loudest stop Tuesday night, when the San Diego native emerged from the bullpen in the ninth inning and finished the Padres’ 8-0 Game 1 victory over the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card Series.
A homegrown return at Petco Park
Earlier this month, Musgrove was still trying to find a path back after an extended rehabilitation from right elbow surgery. The right-hander had not appeared in a Major League game for nearly two years, with another setback adding to a difficult season.
Musgrove had entered the year aiming for a spot in San Diego’s Opening Day rotation. Instead, his work became about recovery, patience and the chance to again pitch in the ballpark where he grew up dreaming of taking the mound.
- Musgrove was added to the Padres’ Wild Card Series roster Tuesday morning.
- His first game action came in the ninth inning of the opener against Chicago.
- Petco Park was sold out for San Diego’s 8-0 win.
- Musgrove completed the shutout by retiring the Cubs in the final frame.
The ninth inning belonged to Musgrove
With the Padres holding a commanding lead, Musgrove jogged in from the bullpen to a roaring reception. It was not a conventional postseason assignment, but it carried the kind of emotional weight that does not show in a box score.
San Diego had already put together a forceful opening statement in the series. Musgrove gave the night its finishing touch, closing the door on the Cubs and sending the crowd home with its hometown pitcher back in uniform and back on the mound.
A rare postseason comeback
Musgrove’s appearance also placed him in a remarkably small corner of postseason history. He became only the second player to take part in a playoff game after appearing in neither of the previous two regular seasons.
- The last player to do it was Clyde McCullough in 1945.
- McCullough appeared in that year’s World Series after missing the 1944 and 1945 regular seasons while serving in the military.
- Musgrove’s return came after a rehabilitation marked by elbow surgery and multiple interruptions.
For Musgrove, the milestone mattered less than the setting: a playoff game in San Diego, a ninth inning at Petco Park, and a chance to help the Padres protect a series-opening win over the Cubs.
