Java Joe returns, Padres and Great Britain end in 2-2 tie
Credit: AP Photo
Peoria, Arizona
On Wednesday, Joe Musgrove returned to the mound for the San Diego Padres, and he looked solid.
Musgrove underwent Tommy John surgery in October of 2024. The right-hander was able to play catch in April of 2025 and threw off a mound this past summer. The Padres wisely did not rush the pitcher as he was allowed to regain his strength ahead of the 2026 season.
Pitching against WBC competitor Great Britain, Musgrove went two innings, throwing 60 pitches and allowing one earned run on five hits. He walked one batter and struck out three men. His fastball was clocked in the mid-90s, and Musgrove was able to break off several tight breaking pitches.
The Padres have to be pleased with his effort as the Native of San Diego is progressing toward making the team on Opening Day.
Welcome back, Java Joe ? pic.twitter.com/kcy1WPKSTG
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 4, 2026
In the game, the Padres rested all of their starting offensive players against Great Britain. The lineup consisted of men competing for the last few roster spots and minor leaguers.
Great Britain did feature several major leaguers in the lineup, including Jazz Chisholm Jr., Trayce Thompson, and Harry Ford. Chisholm homered in the game for the GB team.
Randy Vasquez continues to impress. The right-hander looks entrenched in the Padres’ staff as the number four starter. He went four shutout innings, allowing one hit and striking out four men. Vasquez has recorded 8 2/3 scoreless innings this spring. The right-hander is pitching in rhythm and looks poised to break out in 2026.
Romeo Sanabria went 2-for-2 in the game with a walk. The left-handed hitting first baseman is off to a hot start this spring.
Samad Taylor laid down an excellent bunt for a single to lead off the bottom of the sixth inning. Taylor proceeded to steal a base on the next pitch, showcasing his elite speed. The right-handed batter is looking to make the Padres in a reserve role. He can play infield and outfield and could be a weapon off the bench with his exceptional speed.
The game ended in a 2-2 tie as San Diego could not get much going offensively.
Up next, the Padres will play the Seattle Mariners on Thursday at 12:10 PM in Peoria.
Walker Buehler is set to make his debut with the Padres against Luis Castillo.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.