Padres' Nick Pivetta Sidelined with Elbow Injury

Veteran pitcher expected to miss weeks or months after MRI reveals flexor strain

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:36am

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, green, and grey, abstractly representing a baseball pitcher's throwing motion and the physical strain of an elbow injury.A fractured, cubist depiction of a pitcher's throwing motion captures the physical strain and uncertainty surrounding Nick Pivetta's elbow injury.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 will be out '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's injury is a significant blow to the Padres' pitching rotation, as he was expected to be a key part of their starting staff this season. The team has an option to cut his contract short if the injury causes him to miss more than 130 consecutive days, adding further uncertainty to his future with the club.

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 take significant time off to rest and rehabilitate the injury before he can return to the mound. Padres manager Craig Stammen said the team is confident Pivetta will be able to return at some point this season, but acknowledged the timeline is uncertain and could stretch into 'weeks and maybe months'.

  • 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 pitching elbow.

Craig Stammen

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

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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 continue to monitor Pivetta's recovery and rehabilitation progress, with the hope that he can return to the team's starting rotation at some point later this 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 year. The team's ability to weather this loss and find ways to replace Pivetta's production will be crucial as they aim to contend in the competitive NL West division.