Back in August 2021, Joe Musgrove signed a $100 million worth contract for five years with the San Diego Padres. Two years in, he stands amongst the most vital links of a not-so-powerful defense. Undoubtedly, the Friars’ house an unbelievably powerful offense. But their defense is open to multiple vulnerabilities. And with Joe Musgrove’s freak injury, leaving him with a fractured toe in the weight room is going to raise concerns for the Padres’ front office.

However, the 2022 All-Star righty pitcher is going all out to recover well ahead of Opening Day as he revealed in an interview with The San Diego Union-Tribute.

Joe Musgrove is going all out to return in time for Opening Day after a freak injury

For his treatment, Musgrove travels 40 minutes every day to get simulated 50 feet below sea level in a hyperbaric pressurized chamber. Through this, he forces his body to build stem cells that could promote healing. Following the session in the hyperbaric chamber, he heads back to the Padres camp and practices with weighted balls. Musgrove is implementing all of these extreme measures to fasten his recovery process. While talking about it, he said, “We’re doing everything we can. I’ll try anything. Anything, even if it knocks a day or two off.”

He moves to talk about his fracture and displays optimism about a quick return. The $100 million ace also lauds his pain tolerance, and says, “They’re optimistic the fracture will heal relatively fast — a couple of weeks. Once that’s healed, it’s kind of a pain tolerance thing… I can handle a good amount of pain… As soon as I’m at the point where I can go out there and it’s just a little discomfort, I’ll go.

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As the conversation proceeds, Musgrove also emphasizes being a realist and makes sure to specify that despite his hurry to get back, he would not be irresponsible in treating his injury.

Musgrove also displayed emotions of responsibility given the massive contract he signed. He said, “I’m a realist. I know that I gotta build up and they’re gonna do it the right way — missing a start or two now to not have to deal with it for the rest of year. But I want to make all my starts. I haven’t missed any in the last couple of years. And especially with the (contract signed in August), I wanted to be able to go all five years without missing any time.”

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Do you think Musgrove will be able to make a timely comeback in time for the Padres’ first season game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.