ST. LOUIS — Joe Musgrove was already plotting his between-starts routine a few hours after he walked off the mound at Busch Stadium Tuesday night. The Pirates' early arrival for a day game the following morning would disrupt his lower-body workout, an essential part of how he's remained strong in the second half.
Though Musgrove's final line included four earned runs in an 11-5 loss to the Cardinals, he struck out eight with only two walks in his 18th start of the season, a career high for the 25-year-old. Much has happened for Musgrove over the past 12 months. He was in the bullpen for the Astros' World Series run last October, got traded to the Pirates in January and moved back to the rotation upon returning from a shoulder injury in May.
The on-the-mound intensity that's beloved by his teammates hasn't changed. Neither has that routine. But it's the latter that's helped him emerge as a a pillar of a flourishing rotation.
"He’s a gamer," Ivan Nova told DKPittsburghSports.com. "That guy is really mentally strong. The guy likes to compete. It’s fun to watch him take the mound. I would say he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen. You see how he jumps out on that mound to get to that bunt and dive for that ball. Make the easy, quick throw. It’s amazing to watch that guy pitch."
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