San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta exited his rehab start on August 4, 2026, after throwing just 14 pitches, raising concerns about a potential setback in his recovery from a right elbow flexor strain. Pivetta, who signed a four-year, $55 million contract with the Padres in February 2025, had been sidelined since April 9 due to the injury. His early departure from the Single-A Lake Elsinore Storm game has prompted the team to schedule further evaluations to assess the extent of the issue.
The Padres had been optimistic about Pivetta's return, especially after he posted a career-high 13-5 record with a 2.87 ERA in the previous season. His absence has been felt in the rotation, and this latest development adds uncertainty to his timeline for rejoining the major league roster.
In the same rehab game, fellow Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove made a promising appearance, throwing 2 2/3 innings without issue. Musgrove's progress offers a silver lining for the team as they navigate these injury challenges.
The Padres are expected to provide an update on Pivetta's condition following his medical evaluation. Fans and analysts alike are awaiting news, hoping for a swift and complete recovery for the right-hander.