Padres Call Up Pitchers Waldron and Jacob After Pivetta Injury

Starter Nick Pivetta placed on 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:04am

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The San Diego Padres have placed starting pitcher Nick Pivetta on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. To fill the roster spot, the team has called up starting pitcher Matt Waldron and reliever Alek Jacob from their Triple-A affiliate in El Paso.

Why it matters

Pivetta's injury is a setback for the Padres' starting rotation, which was already dealing with some uncertainty. Waldron and Jacob will now have the opportunity to contribute at the major league level as the team navigates Pivetta's absence.

The details

Pivetta suffered the injury while pitching a perfect game against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. His velocity dropped in the fourth inning, prompting manager Craig Stammen to remove him from the game. Waldron, who has been impressive in Triple-A with 12 innings pitched, zero runs allowed, and 12 strikeouts, will make his MLB debut by starting for the Padres on Friday against the Angels. Jacob, who has a 0.00 ERA in 7.1 innings over five games in Triple-A, will provide bullpen depth until Waldron is needed to start.

  • Pivetta was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to April 13.
  • Waldron and Jacob were called up from Triple-A El Paso on April 15.
  • Waldron is scheduled to make his MLB debut by starting for the Padres on Friday, April 19, against the Angels.

The players

Nick Pivetta

A starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres who was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.

Matt Waldron

A starting pitcher who was called up from the Padres' Triple-A affiliate in El Paso and is scheduled to make his MLB debut on Friday.

Alek Jacob

A relief pitcher who was called up from the Padres' Triple-A affiliate in El Paso to provide bullpen depth.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres who removed Pivetta from the game due to his injury.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to get the opportunity to make my MLB debut on Friday. I've been working hard in Triple-A and I'm ready to contribute to the team.”

— Matt Waldron, Starting Pitcher

What’s next

The Padres will monitor Pivetta's recovery and provide updates on his timeline for return. Waldron and Jacob will look to make the most of their opportunities at the major league level while Pivetta is sidelined.

The takeaway

Pivetta's injury is a setback for the Padres, but the team has depth in their pitching staff and will look to Waldron and Jacob to step up and help fill the void. This situation highlights the importance of having a strong minor league system to provide reinforcements when needed.