Joe Musgrove undergoes Tommy John surgery, sidelined for NLDS

In the United States, Joe Musgrove, a right-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres, has been diagnosed with an ulnar collateral ligament injury, necessitating Tommy John surgery. This injury will prevent him from participating in the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Musgrove had been experiencing elbow discomfort for several weeks and had two previous stints on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation, which caused him to miss a total of 63 games this season. The surgery typically requires a recovery period of 12 to 18 months, which raises concerns that Musgrove could miss the entire 2025 season. He expressed his emotional struggle with the diagnosis, acknowledging the impact it has on both his career and the team. Musgrove's absence is felt deeply by his teammates and coaches, who recognize his contributions to the team’s success. Padres president of baseball operations, A.J. Preller, emphasized Musgrove's importance to the team, stating that they would not be in their current position without him. Despite the setback, the team is determined to compete in the postseason, with plans to start Dylan Cease and Yu Darvish in the upcoming games. Musgrove has expressed his intention to support his teammates during this challenging time. The situation highlights a troubling trend in Major League Baseball, where several pitchers have suffered similar injuries this season, raising questions about the physical demands placed on players and the long-term implications of such injuries.