Padres' Nick Pivetta Sidelined with Elbow Injury

Veteran pitcher could miss weeks or months after MRI reveals flexor strain

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping planes in a muted color palette, conceptually representing the physical strain of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's injured throwing motion highlights the complex physical demands of the sport.San Diego Today

San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta will be sidelined for an extended period after an MRI revealed a flexor strain in his right elbow. Padres manager Craig Stammen said Pivetta could be out for "weeks and maybe months" as he rests and rehabilitates the injury, which occurred during his last start against the Colorado Rockies.

Why it matters

Pivetta is a key part of the Padres' starting rotation, so his extended absence is a significant blow to the team's pitching depth and playoff aspirations this season. The Padres have an option to potentially cut Pivetta's contract short if the injury keeps him sidelined for an extended period.

The details

Pivetta was removed from Sunday's game against the Rockies in the fourth inning due to stiffness in his pitching elbow. An MRI later revealed a flexor strain, which will require Pivetta to rest the injury and go through a strengthening program before he can resume throwing. The Padres have placed Pivetta on the injured list, and Stammen said the team is hopeful he can return at some point this season, though the timeline remains uncertain.

  • Pivetta was forced to leave his start against the Rockies on Sunday, April 14, 2026.
  • The Padres placed Pivetta on the injured list on Tuesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Nick Pivetta

A 33-year-old right-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres who is dealing with a flexor strain in his elbow that could sideline him for weeks or months.

Craig Stammen

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's definitely going to take some time off throwing, let it rest, let it heal and then get back on a throwing program and a strengthening program. It's probably going to be more weeks and maybe months than it is just specific days.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

“It's really frustrating. I was feeling really well, felt like I was pitching better. I love contributing to the team, take great pride in playing baseball for the fans, playing for my teammates.”

— Nick Pivetta

What’s next

The Padres will monitor Pivetta's recovery and rehabilitation progress, with the hope that he can return to the team's starting rotation at some point later in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Pivetta's injury is a significant setback for the Padres, who were counting on the veteran right-hander to be a key part of their pitching staff this season. The team's depth will be tested as they look to fill Pivetta's spot in the rotation during his extended absence.