Padres Place Nick Pivetta on IL with Elbow Inflammation

Pivetta's injury raises concerns about the team's pitching depth and playoff aspirations.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping, angular shapes in muted navy, olive, and ochre tones, conceptually representing the Padres' challenge in managing Pivetta's injury.The Padres' pitching rotation faces a critical test as they navigate the absence of injured starter Nick Pivetta.San Diego Today

The San Diego Padres have placed right-hander Nick Pivetta on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation, a setback for the team as they look to maintain their playoff position. Pivetta, who had a strong 2025 season, has struggled this year with a 1-2 record and 5.54 ERA. The Padres have responded by recalling right-hander Alek Jacob from Triple-A to fill the void.

Why it matters

Pivetta's injury is a significant blow to the Padres' pitching rotation, as they look to maintain their competitiveness and playoff positioning in the competitive National League West. The team's depth will be tested as they navigate Pivetta's absence, which could have a substantial impact on their postseason aspirations.

The details

Pivetta, a 33-year-old right-hander, was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to Monday due to right elbow inflammation. In his most recent outing against the Colorado Rockies, Pivetta exited in the fourth inning due to stiffness, with his fastball velocity down 1.9 mph from his season average. The Padres have responded by recalling right-hander Alek Jacob from Triple-A El Paso to help fill the void left by Pivetta's absence.

  • Pivetta was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to Monday, April 17, 2026.
  • Pivetta exited his start against the Colorado Rockies on April 16, 2026 in the fourth inning due to elbow stiffness.

The players

Nick Pivetta

A 33-year-old right-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres who had a strong 2025 season with a 13-5 record and 2.87 ERA, but has struggled this year with a 1-2 record and 5.54 ERA.

Alek Jacob

A right-handed pitcher who has been recalled from Triple-A El Paso by the Padres to help fill the void left by Pivetta's injury.

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What’s next

The Padres will need to rely on their depth and internal resources to weather Pivetta's absence, with Alek Jacob being the first move to address the void in the rotation. The team's performance in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their playoff positioning.

The takeaway

Pivetta's injury is a significant setback for the Padres, who will need to navigate the challenges of managing injuries and maintaining competitiveness as they look to secure a playoff berth. The team's depth and strategic roster management will be put to the test in the coming weeks.