[Acee] The Padres will be one step closer to adding a postseason reliever next week, as Joe Musgrove plans to throw his first full-intensity bullpen—an important milestone in his return from Tommy John surgery and his goal to pitch out of the bullpen in October.

“It is a big step,” Musgrove said. “But I’m not putting a whole lot into it. The fact that I’m feeling as good as I do now, I can’t imagine that I’m gonna feel a whole lot different when I throw off the mound. Maybe a little more sore. But more so just to get that first one done, so that the progression can carry on, that’s the most exciting thing. Like, once I throw my first bullpen and it goes well, now we’re officially in the bullpen phase, which is one step closer.”

Musgrove plans to be available to work an inning or two out of the bullpen by the time the postseason begins. That would be slightly less than a year after his surgery on Oct. 11, 2024.

Musgrove and Padres physical therapist Scott Hacker are following a throwing program prescribed by Dr. Keith Meister, who performed Musgrove’s surgery.

That plan involves 20 bullpen sessions at a rate of two a week.

“We think that we’re gonna be able to modify it,” Musgrove said. “… I’ve been ahead of schedule this whole way.”

Hacker has told Musgrove he has progressed faster and more smoothly than is normal through virtually every phase of recovery.

“Hearing that from him gives me confidence that like, this isn’t like a fluke or that I’m overly excited about something, that it is kind of real,” Musgrove said.

Being a viable part of the starting rotation in 2026 and beyond is the priority.

“Everything I’m doing, I’m not forcing my hand at getting to the next step if I don’t feel ready,” Musgrove said. “I’m very cautious of that. So, I’ve only taken the progression or allowed myself to do more if it’s within Hack’s guidelines and if I’m feeling good. All with the idea that if I want this (pitching in the postseason) to happen, I gotta kind of take the step. But if it’s not right, then I’m not doing it.”

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/07/23/padres-daily-uneven-at-the-top-joe-musgroves-next-big-step-doubles-and-double-plays/