Padres Await Update on Injured Pitcher Nick Pivetta's Return

Manager Craig Stammen says the team will be cautious with Pivetta's recovery timeline.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into fragmented, overlapping planes of muted earth tones, conveying the disruption caused by Pivetta's injury to the Padres' pitching staff.The Padres' rotation faces a major challenge as they await Nick Pivetta's recovery from an elbow injury.San Diego Today

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta was placed on the injured list after leaving his last start early due to an elbow issue. Manager Craig Stammen said the team is still evaluating Pivetta's status and will not rush his return, though he expects Pivetta to pitch again this season. The Padres have called up additional pitchers to fill Pivetta's spot in the rotation as he recovers.

Why it matters

Pivetta was expected to be a key part of the Padres' starting rotation this season, so his injury is a significant blow. The team's pitching depth will be tested as they try to remain competitive in the NL West without their top starter.

The details

Pivetta left his last start against the Colorado Rockies early due to an elbow issue. After the game, he said he was unsure of the severity of the injury. The Padres have since placed Pivetta on the injured list, and manager Craig Stammen said the team will take a cautious approach to his recovery, though they expect him to pitch again this season. The Padres have called up right-handed pitchers Alek Jacob and Matt Waldron to fill Pivetta's spot in the rotation.

  • Pivetta was forced to leave his start against the Rockies on April 14, 2026 due to the elbow issue.
  • Pivetta was placed on the injured list following the April 14 game.
  • Prior to the Padres' game against the Mariners on April 15, 2026, manager Craig Stammen provided an update on Pivetta's status.

The players

Nick Pivetta

The Padres' starting pitcher who was placed on the injured list with an elbow issue after leaving his last start early.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres, who provided an update on Pivetta's injury and recovery timeline.

Alek Jacob

A right-handed pitcher called up by the Padres to fill Pivetta's spot in the rotation.

Matt Waldron

Another right-handed pitcher the Padres plan to call up to replace Pivetta in the starting rotation.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's too early to tell for me. I just tried to go out there, do the best I could, get as deep in the baseball game as I possibly could. Obviously, didn't feel good. I came out of the game. But the bullpen picked me up.”

— Nick Pivetta

“Yeah, I think we're going through that process, and we'll determine what the best next steps are. All of that is up to the medical team and Nick, and once we have an update on that, we'll let you guys know.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

“We're trying to be cautious with Nick, and I think the smartest move was to not push him. Give him some time on the IL, and then figure it out from there.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

What’s next

The Padres will continue to evaluate Pivetta's recovery and determine the best timeline for his return to the rotation. They have called up additional pitchers to fill his spot in the meantime.

The takeaway

Pivetta's injury is a significant setback for the Padres, who were counting on him to anchor their starting rotation this season. The team will need to find ways to remain competitive while he recovers, testing their pitching depth and potentially exploring free agent options like Lucas Giolito to help fill the void.