Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta took a step forward in their recoveries by facing hitters on Friday at the Padres' Spring Training complex in Peoria, Arizona. Both pitchers had been sidelined with right elbow issues. Their returns are not expected until mid-to-late August at the earliest.
Musgrove landed on the injured list during Spring Training after tearing his UCL in the 2024 postseason and undergoing Tommy John surgery. Pivetta was placed on the IL in early April with elbow inflammation and a flexor strain. Manager Craig Stammen said a rehab stint is the presumed next step for both, though another live session in Peoria remains possible.
The Padres have struggled without them. San Diego has the worst record in the National League over the last two months and sits four games back of the final Wild Card spot. The team has dropped five of its last seven games since the All-Star break.
General manager A.J. Preller faces decisions ahead of the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline. Adding a starter could help the club stay in contention, but the presence of Musgrove and Pivetta later in the season adds uncertainty to those plans. Pivetta posted a 2.87 ERA in 31 starts last season.