The San Diego Padres are set to welcome back a potentially crucial player to their starting rotation on Monday night for the opener of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Joe Musgrove (3-4, 5.66 ERA), who has been sidelined since May 26 due to right elbow inflammation, is slated to pitch. Although he is expected to be limited to around 60 pitches after throwing 43 in a Single-A game on August 4, Musgrove is optimistic about his return. He noted that his rehab start showed good command and velocity, and he feels physically ready to contribute.
This marks Musgrove’s second stint on the injured list this season due to the same issue, but this time he underwent a PRP injection in addition to cortisone treatment. Since resuming throwing, he hasn’t experienced any discomfort. Musgrove even threw a 96 mph fastball in his recent outing, his fastest of the year. Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed enthusiasm about Musgrove’s return, highlighting the importance of having healthy pitchers at this time of year. Musgrove holds a 1-2 record with a 3.33 ERA in five career starts against Pittsburgh, the team that traded him to San Diego before the 2021 season. He aims to improve that record as the Padres, despite a recent loss to Miami, have been hot, winning 16 of their last 19 games and holding a share of the top wild-card spot in the National League. They have also won their last seven series since the All-Star break.
In contrast, the Pirates are on a downward trend, having lost seven straight games, including a recent sweep by San Diego. Their latest loss was a close 6-5 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where they failed to hold a 5-4 lead in the 10th inning due to a blown save by closer David Bednar. Bednar’s struggles have left him likely unavailable for Monday, posing potential challenges for manager Derek Shelton if a save situation arises.
Left-hander Marco Gonzales (1-1, 4.54 ERA) is expected to start for the Pirates. He faced the Padres last Wednesday, allowing eight hits and five runs in 4 2/3 innings of a game San Diego won 9-8 in extra innings. Gonzales has a 1-0 record with a 5.52 ERA in three career starts against the Padres.
