Padres' Joe Musgrove exits start due to elbow injury

San Diego right-hander Joe Musgrove departed the Padres' National League wild-card series game against the visiting Atlanta Braves on Wednesday with what the team called right elbow tightness.

He will undergo an MRI exam on Thursday.

San Diego held a 5-1 advantage when Musgrove exited after 3 2/3 innings. He struck out four and gave up one run on one hit and no walks.

The Padres held on to win the game 5-4 and eliminate Atlanta in two games.

After the game, Musgrove sounded as if there were some concern about the injury.

"I don't know what the future looks like for me right now, but I know I'm going to give it every chance I have and I'll do whatever I have to do to get back in here at some point," Musgrove said.

Musgrove threw a curveball for a strike to Atlanta's Matt Olson on his 44th and final pitch of the night. As he prepared to throw his next pitch, Musgrove stretched his arm upwards and then later shook his right arm. When Musgrove again stretched his arms high, catcher Kyle Higashioka rushed to the mound.

Pitching coach Ruben Niebla went to the mound, and a short while later, manager Mike Shildt and a trainer hurried out. After a short discussion, Musgrove departed the contest.

Musgrove, 31, was on the injured list twice this season due to elbow issues. The second time, he was diagnosed with a bone spur in the elbow and missed 2 1/2 months, returning Aug. 12.

Musgrove went 6-5 with a 3.88 ERA in 19 regular-season starts.

--Field Level Media