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Statement made: Musgrove's first appearance since '24 seals Padres' Game 1 win

Joe Musgrove returned from a lengthy injury absence during a bullpen appearance in the ninth frame, helping secure an 8-0 shutout victory for San Diego against Chicago in the opening matchup of the National League Wild Card Series.

His unexpected inclusion on the roster marks a rare historical milestone, making him only the second competitor to play in a postseason contest without featuring in any regular-season games across the prior two years, following Clyde McCullough in 1945.

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