Padres' rotation questions loom over Opening Day loss

Injuries and uncertainty surround San Diego's starting pitching as the team falls to the Tigers on Opening Day.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:08am

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The San Diego Padres' 8-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Opening Day highlighted the vulnerability of their starting rotation. Pitcher Nick Pivetta struggled, lasting only 2.2 innings, as the Padres fell behind early. With injuries to key starters like Joe Musgrove and questions surrounding other pitchers like Michael King and Walker Buehler, the Padres' rotation remains a major concern heading into the season.

Why it matters

The Padres have high expectations this season after making the playoffs the last two years, but their starting pitching depth has been severely tested by injuries and inconsistency. If the rotation issues persist, it could derail their postseason hopes, especially in a competitive NL West division.

The details

Pivetta, who was making his first Opening Day start, surrendered four runs in the first inning before settling down briefly. However, the early workload led to his exit after 2.2 innings and 69 pitches. Musgrove, a key part of the Padres' rotation, is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until May at the earliest. Other starters like King, Buehler, and Germán Márquez are also dealing with injury concerns or trying to bounce back from down seasons.

  • Musgrove underwent Tommy John surgery almost 18 months ago.
  • Musgrove was about to play catch for the first time in more than two weeks, having been temporarily shut down after a setback in his recovery.
  • The Padres are hoping Musgrove can return to the majors in May, although there is no concrete timetable.

The players

Nick Pivetta

The Padres' starting pitcher who struggled in his Opening Day outing, lasting only 2.2 innings.

Joe Musgrove

A key member of the Padres' starting rotation who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and not expected back until May at the earliest.

Craig Stammen

A former big-league pitcher who made his managerial debut for the Padres on Opening Day.

Michael King

A Padres pitcher who went from starring in 2024 to being waylaid by injuries in 2025.

A.J. Preller

The Padres' president of baseball operations who is tasked with addressing the team's rotation concerns.

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What they’re saying

“First game back is always a tough one for every pitcher, and when you get tasked pitching Opening Day for the first time, there's just a lot of emotions that go with it. It wasn't his best day today, but he'll be good for us the rest of the season.”

— Craig Stammen, former big-league pitcher

“Of course, I would love that game back, but that's not reality. That's not how the world works. Just look to capitalize on the next couple days off … get a good bullpen (session), get back to who I am.”

— Nick Pivetta

“I'm like, 'Yeah, the pitching here since I've been here has been pretty good.' Obviously, credit to the pitching coaches and to the pitchers that we have. I feel like, in the end, they will do their thing.”

— Xander Bogaerts, shortstop

What’s next

On Friday, Padres pitcher Michael King will duel against the Tigers' new $115 million pitcher Framber Valdez, providing an early test for San Diego's rotation.

The takeaway

The Padres' Opening Day loss highlighted the significant questions and concerns surrounding their starting rotation, which will need to be addressed if the team hopes to return to the playoffs. Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of proven depth have left the Padres' pitching staff in a vulnerable position to start the season.