Joe Musgrove out of 2024 NLDS with elbow injury

LOS ANGELES – With Joe Musgrove dealing with a return of elbow issues, the Padres will be without one of their best starters when they face the Dodgers in the National League Division Series.

“He’s not going to participate in this series and we’ll have more to come here shortly,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said on Friday.

Musgrove exited Wednesday’s Game 2 win over the Braves in the NL Wild Card Series in the top of the fourth inning because of elbow tightness. He was scheduled to undergo further testing, but there was already concern about his status because he’s had two stints on the injured list this season with elbow problems.

In nine starts after coming off the injured list in early August, Musgrove had a 2.15 ERA. He worked 3 2/3 innings of one-hit, one-run ball against Atlanta, but he threw two curveballs to Braves first baseman Matt Olson where he didn’t look good and was removed from the game.

A replacement for Musgrove on the roster, and the rotation, wasn’t immediately named. Shildt has Dylan Cease starting Game 1 and Yu Darvish listed for Game 2 vs. Los Angeles.

“Replacing Joe Musgrove is a tall order,” Shildt said. “The good news is we have people that we trust and we’ve got a deep pitching group as we know. Joe is Joe. He is a presence, a physical presence. He’s pitched outstanding for us since he’s come back. He was throwing the ball really well in Game 2 the other day. I can’t say we’re going to be able to replace Joe. He’s a special individual but I can tell you we’ll be just going to compete. He’ll be in our hearts, but he won’t be with us on the mound.”