What happened to Joe Musgrove? All you need to know about the Padres ace’s sudden exit

Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove has demonstrated throughout his career how unstoppable he is when he's healthy. However, after yet another setback, the status of one of San Diego's best arms is in flux as the team prepares for the NLDS.

On Wednesday night, Padres catcher Kyle Higashioka noticed something off about Musgrove's windup. After Higashioka decided to visit the mound, Musgrove was subsequently pulled from the game.

"Joe Musgrove exited the game in the 4th inning after Kyle Higashioka noticed something wrong in his windup" - Talkin' Baseball

Musgrove was replaced by Bryan Hoeing, who earned the win in San Diego's 5-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. Despite punching their ticket to the NLDS, concerns about Joe Musgrove's condition linger.

The San Diego Padres later confirmed that Musgrove was removed on account of right elbow tightness. A familiar story, the 31-year-old has only made 36 starts over the course of the past two seasons on account of recurring issues with his throwing elbow.

"Joe Musgrove exits the game in the 4th inning at 44 pitches. They are saying it is possibly elbow-related. Massive development as it seems the Padres will be facing the Dodgers on Saturday if this game holds." - Honestly Dodgers

While tests have apparently shown that no damage was done to Musgrove's UCL, further tests are required. Musgrove is scheduled to undergo an MRI test on Thursday as the team assesses his availability to use the former All-Star against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will face the Friars in the NLDS.

A native of El Cajon, California, Musgrove has been pitching for San Diego since 2021. Though that tenure has been adversely impacted by his injuries, Musgrove has pitched to a 37-24 record alongside a 3.20 ERA in 98 games for the Padres.

Joe Musgrove's exit causes concern for Padres

If San Diego is to compete against LA, they know that their pitching will have to shine. With Musgrove's condition still unknown, Padres manager Mike Schildt addressed the media about his pitcher's condition, telling ABC:

"He said he would do everything he can, which I wouldn't put nothing past Joe Musgrove to come back, but something didn't feel right in his elbow. Structurally they feel like he's OK, but we'll get more evaluation as we go."

All the team can do now is wait, and hope that Musgrove's arm will not need to be retired for the remainder of the postseason.