The San Diego Padres dropped the first game of the series against the Milwaukee Brewers as their strategy of having an opener for struggling pitcher Matt Waldron did not work out well.
Despite avoiding the top of the lineup in the first inning, despite entering the second inning with the bases empty, Waldron struggled once again. The Padres pitcher allowed six runs on eight hits during 2.2 innings pitched. Waldron also set a franchise record by allowing a home run in 13 consecutive appearances, as he gave up a home run to shortstop Joey Ortiz, who had not homered all season.
Fortunately, the Padres are expected to receive reinforcements in their starting rotation. Unfortunately, it will not be All-Star pitcher Joe Musgrove, who has been sidelined since the 2024 postseason.
San Diego Padres Receive Concerning Joe Musgrove Timeline Update
Padres reporter Marty Caswell appeared on Foul Territory where she gave an update on Musgrove’s potential return. Caswell said, “He is not throwing a baseball right now. He’s around the team, he travels with the team, he’s rehabbing, but right now there is no timeline on Joe (Musgrove). I know he’s frustrated talking about it, because he spoke about it so much last season.”
Caswell added, “Right now there is no expectation for Joe Musgrove. There is no timeline for Joe Musgrove. (Craig) Stammen has been pretty optimistic that he will return to the Padres at some point, but it would be shocking, to me, if the Padres saw him anytime before the All-Star break.”
Unfortunately for the Padres, Musgrove was supposed to be a frontline starter for the team alongside Nick Pivetta and Michael King. Out of those three, only King has managed to stay healthy for the Padres.
Potential Changes to San Diego Padres Rotation
As mentioned previously, despite Musgrove’s halted return, the team is expected to receive a boost with the addition of starting pitcher Lucas Giolito.
After struggling in his first rehab starts, Giolito put together his best start since joining the Padres organization. Regarding his latest outing, Steve Drumwright wrote for PadresMission:
“San Diego Padres right-handed starter Lucas Giolito, in what is likely to be his final tuneup before joining the major-league rotation, allowed one run on three hits with no walks and three strikeouts in six innings. He threw 74 pitches, 52 for strikes. In four starts since signing a one-year contract April 22, Giolito has thrown 17 innings, allowing 11 runs (nine earned) on 18 hits with six walks and 15 strikeouts. He has a clause in his contract that requires him to be added to the MLB roster by Saturday.”
If Giolito joins the rotation, Waldron is likely the odd man out. Regarding what the Padres do with Waldron, MLB’s AJ Cassavell wrote:
“Waldron would seem likeliest to give way — but where to? He’s out of options. Could the Padres use him as a long man? Their bullpen is somewhat full already.
There had been encouraging signs lately from Waldron. But he simply hasn’t put it all together — and might be running out of time to do so. After six seasons in the organization, Waldron’s tenure in San Diego is at a crossroads. The Padres have a decision to make.”
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