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Padres Announce Nick Pivetta News After Leaving Rockies Game
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- Padres Announce Nick Pivetta News After Leaving Rockies Game
The San Diego Padres are facing the Colorado Rockies as they look to extend their four-game winning streak and maintain second place in the NL West. The game took an early turn when starting pitcher Nick Pivetta exited his April 12 outing due to right elbow stiffness despite an impressive performance.
He retired the first nine batters he faced and recorded four strikeouts, showing sharp command early. However, Pivetta appeared to experience discomfort after throwing a 92.2 mph fastball in the fourth inning, prompting his exit. The update came from the team's official account, and further evaluation is pending to determine the severity as Kyle Hart took over in relief. (h/t Padres X account)
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This is a significant blow for the Padres, as Pivetta has been a key contributor to their rotation. His early exit adds immediate uncertainty and strains the team's pitching depth, while increasing pressure on the bullpen to absorb additional innings. The concern follows initial reports of elbow stiffness, raising questions about his availability moving forward.
Through his first three starts this season, Pivetta has posted a 5.54 ERA, a 1.385 WHIP, 20 strikeouts and 13 innings pitched. While those numbers reflect a mixed start, his overall value to the staff remains clear. Pivetta was outstanding for the Padres last season, appearing in 31 games and recording a 2.87 ERA, a 0.985 WHIP, 190 strikeouts and 181.2 innings pitched. His durability and production were instrumental, making any potential absence a serious concern for the Padres.
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San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (27)© Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Pivetta has developed into one of the league's premier pitchers, evolving into a reliable top-of-the-rotation arm for the Padres. Originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of New Mexico Junior College, he made his MLB debut on April 30, 2017, against the Dodgers .
He features an elite four-seam fastball that sits in the mid-90s with strong vertical movement, paired with a sharp curveball and hard slider. Known for his strikeout ability, he consistently posts high strikeout rates while effectively limiting left-handed hitters. His durability also stands out, regularly logging 30-plus starts and 180-plus innings.
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After a breakout 2025 season, he signed a four-year, $55 million contract with San Diego in February 2025, including opt-outs after 2026 and 2027. Given his performance and value, he remains a cornerstone of the Padres' long-term plans.
Related: Phillies Announce Andrew Painter Update After Scratch Against Diamondbacks
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
