Prior to the National League Division Series, the Padres announced that Joe Musgrove requires Tommy John surgery.

LOS ANGELES --San Diego Padres right-handed pitcher Joe Musgrove sustained an injury to his ulnar collateral ligament during his start on Wednesday and is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery, which will conclude his season and likely exclude him from participation in the entirety of 2025. Musgrove departed the game in the fourth inning of the second match of the Padres' wild-card series after delivering consecutive mid-70 mph curveballs to Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson. An initial MRI did not indicate additional damage to his UCL; however, a follow-up examination on Thursday, after the inflammation had decreased, revealed a significant tear necessitating surgical intervention. "I am devastated about not being able to complete what we initially set out to achieve," Musgrove expressed on Friday, prior to his teammates' workout at Dodger Stadium in preparation for the National League Division Series. "I am not overly concerned about the rehabilitation process or the time away from the game. I understand the importance of hard work. It is simply a matter of coming to terms with the reality that this is the end for me."

Musgrove's absence for the remainder of October likely paves the way for Martin Perez, who recorded a 3.46 ERA in 10 starts since his acquisition before the trade deadline, to step into the Padres' postseason rotation. The Padres plan to start Dylan Cease in Game 1 on Saturday, followed by Yu Darvish in Game 2 on Sunday, and Michael King for Game 3 when the series transitions to San Diego on Tuesday. Perez appears to be the most logical candidate to start a potential Game 4. "We would not be in this position without Joe Musgrove," stated Padres general manager A.J. Preller. "He is understandably very disappointed; everyone in that locker room empathizes with him. Many players have risen to the occasion this year, and it will now require others in the staff to step up, as this is undoubtedly a significant setback." Musgrove had previously made two trips to the injured list due to complications from bone spurs earlier in the season, missing approximately three weeks in May, during which he made two starts before being sidelined again. His second stint on the injured list was followed by a more cautious ramp-up, including a platelet-rich plasma injection to aid in healing and a slight adjustment to his delivery.