A pressing question surrounding the San Diego Padres throughout this season has centered on the eventual return of starting pitcher Joe Musgrove. While fans have eagerly awaited a definitive answer, a recent unexpected encounter provided some clarity.
YouTuber and popular Twitch streamer FaZe Rug was dining at a restaurant prior to recording a video when he randomly crossed paths with Musgrove. The content creator, an avid Padres fan, took the opportunity to ask the veteran hurler when he planned to return to the mound.
Musgrove, 33, who hails from El Cajon just outside San Diego, informed the streamer that he was actually on his way to a rehab assignment. While he could not delve into specific details regarding his return, the pitcher assured him that it would happen “within the weeks here.”
FaZe Rug randomly ran into MLB pitcher and San Diego Padres legend Joe Musgrove at an airport restaurant, who revealed that he’s a HUGE fan of him and also shared an update on when he expects to return to pitching after his injury pic.twitter.com/EZnHJu7bK7
— yoxic (@yoxics) August 19, 2026
It appears increasingly likely that the Padres’ ace will rejoin the rotation just in time for a final postseason push. Musgrove has been rehabilitating from offseason Tommy John surgery in 2024, with the expectation that he would pitch for San Diego this season.
However, his progress faced a significant setback during an exhibition spring training game, where he threw 60 pitches over two-plus innings. The right-hander subsequently attempted a bullpen session on March 8, but experiencing discomfort led to him being shut down once again. By July, Musgrove began ramping up his activity, completing bullpen sessions before embarking on his first rehab assignment on August 4.
Thus far, Musgrove has made three starts during his rehabilitation process. In his most recent outing, he pitched 4 ⅔ innings, recording five strikeouts, though he also surrendered nine hits and five runs.
The Padres have notably improved their performance since the All-Star break, posting a 20-12 record since the midsummer classic. They currently sit in second place in the National League West and hold the final wild card spot with a 67-61 record. Maintaining this position may well require Musgrove’s presence; the Arizona Diamondbacks are just one game behind, with several other teams closely trailing.
