\u201cWe\u2019re rockin\u2019 and rollin\u2019 and feeling great,\u201d said Joe Musgrove. \u201cAs the postseason got going last season, I was really close to making an appearance.\u201d<\/p>\n
A shocking Musgrove playoff appearance could have been the story of October had the Padres advanced past the Cubs in the first round of the playoffs last season. Instead, the team fell short in a winner-take-all game three, giving Musgrove ample time to continue recovering from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in October 2024.<\/p>\n
Musgrove\u2019s health and expectations for 2026 were central topics during the pitchers\u2019 panel at FanFest on Saturday. Along with Musgrove, fans heard from starters Nick Pivetta and Michael King, as well as closer Mason Miller.<\/p>\n
Despite missing all of 2025, Musgrove maintained his role as a clubhouse leader. He continued his tradition of standing behind starters as they warmed up for games and helped Pivetta acclimate to the clubhouse – helping him put together an incredible season that culminated in 181.2 innings and a 2.87 ERA.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make sure our starters know that we\u2019re there with them,\u201d Musgrove explained. \u201cI think it\u2019s impactful when I\u2019m out there warming up for a game and having all my dogs there with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Musgrove\u2019s return to the rotation should help the Padres chase the high expectations they\u2019ve set for themselves in 2026. Beyond his health, much of the discussion centered on the staff\u2019s shared commitment to winning a championship.<\/p>\n
Pivetta expressed pride in his 2025 performance but acknowledged that the upcoming season presents an opportunity to accomplish the ultimate goal. Miller echoed that sentiment, referencing 2025 as a year in which the team ultimately \u201cfell short.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, it\u2019s about not getting too complacent,\u201d Pivetta said. \u201cHow am I going to put myself and my teammates in the best position to win a World Series?\u201d<\/p>\n
That mindset carried through the offseason discussions. None of the pitchers highlighted notable \u201cexperiences\u201d or \u201cbreaks from the game.\u201d Instead, the group emphasized refining their craft and preparing to compete at the highest level in 2026. King, who re-signed on a 3-year $75 million deal in December, referenced this organizational mentality as part of the reason he wanted to stay.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe clubhouse is awesome to walk into,\u201d King said. \u201cEvery year I\u2019ve been here, he\u2019s put a winning unit out there,\u201d referencing general manager A.J. Preller.<\/p>\n