San Diego Padres News & Updates

Joe Musgrove's potential absence from the rotation is a looming concern for the Padres as the season approaches, especially after he’s tossed just once since early March. With fans pointing to Walker Buehler as the top choice for the fifth rotation spot, the pressure is mounting on German Márquez, who has struggled on the mound recently. Meanwhile, Nick Pivetta is shaking off arm fatigue and is confident heading into the season, a needed boost for a rotation that’s already feeling the heat. On a brighter note, Jackson Merrill is focused on stepping up his game, aiming to strike out less and hit for more power in hopes of breaking into the big leagues by 2026. As roster decisions loom, the Padres are in a tight spot, and the clock is ticking.