Joe Musgrove Cleared for Full Workload, No Strict Innings Cap in 2026

Padres manager Craig Stammen announced that Joe Musgrove (elbow) will not face a strict innings limit in 2026. Musgrove, who missed the entire 2025 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, has been throwing bullpen sessions since August. While the team will monitor his post-start condition, they will allow the 33-year-old righty to pitch 'as far as he's willing to go.' Musgrove previously topped 180 innings in 2021-2022, but threw 106.2 innings in 2023 and 103 in 2024. Reaching 180 innings in 2026 is a significant ask, but the Padres are open to it if he feels good.