With the July 30 Trade Deadline approaching, the Padres remain one of the most intriguing teams in sports. However, it’s hard to imagine them making any bigger roster additions than the returns of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Joe Musgrove in August.
During the All-Star break, the Padres received positive updates on the recoveries of Tatis (right femoral stress reaction) and Musgrove (right elbow inflammation). Tatis, sidelined since late June, underwent an MRI that, while showing the stress reaction hasn’t fully healed, indicated enough progress for him to resume some baseball activities.
“The MRI was favorable,” said manager Mike Shildt. “The actual stress reaction is still there, but a lot of the swelling and fluid have gone down. He can swing the bat and do some light lower-half exercises.” Shildt added that Tatis would have further imaging soon, and once the stress reaction heals, Tatis is expected to quickly return to game shape.
Musgrove, who hasn’t pitched since May due to elbow inflammation and triceps tendinitis caused by a bone spur, threw his first bullpen session on Wednesday at Petco Park before traveling with the team to Cleveland. His session was mainly fastballs, but he plans to incorporate breaking pitches in upcoming sessions during the Padres’ trip through Cleveland, Washington, and Baltimore.
This is Musgrove’s second IL stint this season for the same injury. His first stint was brief and didn’t allow enough healing time. This time, he received a PRP injection and took nearly a month off from throwing, reporting no lingering issues. Despite a challenging season with a 5.66 ERA in 10 starts, Musgrove aims to make a significant impact if he returns in late August for the postseason push.
“Obviously I never want to be on the IL,” Musgrove said. “But the decision was about where I could be most impactful this season, and that’s down the stretch.”
A healthy Musgrove and Tatis would significantly boost the Padres’ postseason chances. “That’s huge,” Shildt said. “Every club’s banged up, but getting Tatis and Joe back would be a big lift for this club.”