Padres Lose Pivetta to Injury in Sunday Start

Right-hander exits in the fourth inning with an apparent issue, further complicating the team's pitching depth.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:30pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher in an abstract, cubist style, using muted earth tones to convey the intensity and drama of the moment.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's delivery captures the fragmented, high-intensity action of a crucial moment on the mound.San Diego Today

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta was forced to exit Sunday's game against the Nationals in the top of the fourth inning due to an apparent injury. Pivetta had been pitching well, striking out four batters over the first three no-hit innings, but his velocity dropped in the fourth, prompting the team's trainer and manager to check on him before he left the game.

Why it matters

The Padres were already dealing with questions about their starting rotation depth after losing Dylan Cease to free agency and dealing with injuries to other key pitchers. Pivetta's potential absence would further complicate matters, forcing the team to dip into their minor league system for reinforcements.

The details

Pivetta was throwing 95 mph in the first inning but his velocity dropped to 92.2 mph on his final two fastballs to start the fourth. After a brief conversation with the trainer and manager on the mound, Pivetta exited the game. The team has not yet provided an update on the nature or severity of Pivetta's injury.

  • Pivetta exited the game in the top of the fourth inning on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • Pivetta had struck out four batters over the first three no-hit innings prior to his departure.

The players

Nick Pivetta

The Padres' right-handed starting pitcher who was forced to exit Sunday's game with an apparent injury.

Craig Stammen

The Padres' manager who visited the mound with the team's head athletic trainer after Pivetta's velocity dropped.

Mark Rogow

The Padres' head athletic trainer who checked on Pivetta on the mound before the pitcher exited the game.

Eduoard Julian

The Nationals batter who was at the plate when Pivetta left the game.

Matt Waldron

A Padres pitching prospect who could be an option to join the major league rotation if Pivetta misses time.

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What’s next

The Padres will provide an update on Pivetta's status and injury in the coming days. If he is forced to miss time, the team will likely turn to pitching prospects like Matt Waldron or Griffin Canning to fill the void in the rotation.

The takeaway

Pivetta's injury is a significant blow to the Padres, who were already dealing with questions about their starting rotation depth. The team will now have to navigate the situation and find a way to replace Pivetta's production if he is forced to miss time.