Padres’ Nick Pivetta Placed on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation

The San Diego Padres placed right-hander Nick Pivetta on the 15-day injured list on April 14, 2026, due to inflammation in his pitching elbow.

The decision follows a start on April 12, 2026, during a 7-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies, where Pivetta was forced to leave the game in the fourth inning because of elbow stiffness.

During that appearance, Pivetta retired his first nine batters. However, on his 46th pitch, he threw a 92.2 mph four-seam fastball, which was 1.9 mph below his season average. The pitch resulted in a called strike against Edouard Julien to even the count at 2-2.

Shortly before that pitch, pitching coach Ruben Niebla had already contacted the bullpen. Following the delivery, manager Craig Stammen and head athletic trainer Mark Rogow visited the mound before Pivetta exited to the dugout. Stammen noted that Pivetta, who recorded four strikeouts in the game, did not feel 100 percent and had experienced stiffness throughout the contest.

Medical Status and Recovery

Pivetta underwent an MRI on April 14, 2026. According to manager Craig Stammen, the results of the imaging are currently being reviewed by the team’s medical staff to determine the exact nature of the injury.

We’re trying to be cautious with Nick and I think the smartest move was to not push him and give him some time on the IL and then figure it out from there

Craig Stammen

While there is no official timetable for Pivetta’s return, he will be unavailable for at least two weeks. Team officials indicated that a longer stint on the injured list might be necessary to prevent a recurrence, particularly as Pivetta missed a start during Spring Training due to arm fatigue.

Roster Adjustments

The loss of Pivetta comes as a significant blow to a San Diego starting rotation described as already-thin. To manage the vacancy, the Padres have made the following roster moves:

• Right-handed reliever Alek Jacob was recalled from Triple-A El Paso to take Pivetta’s spot on the active roster.
• Right-hander Matt Waldron is scheduled to be activated to rejoin the starting rotation for the weekend following April 14, 2026.

These moves were finalized ahead of the Padres’ three-game series against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park, which began on April 14, 2026.

Contract and Injury History

The 33-year-old Pivetta currently holds a 1-2 record with a 4.50 ERA. He signed a $55 million contract in February 2025, which includes opt-out clauses after the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The contract contains a specific provision allowing San Diego to shorten the deal after two seasons if Pivetta suffers a specified injury or undergoes related surgery and remains on the injured list for more than 130 consecutive days within a single season or one-year period.

This is not the first time Pivetta has dealt with elbow issues. From April 6 to May 8, 2024, he was placed on the injured list with a right elbow flexor strain.