Padres starter Nick Pivetta left his start against the Rockies in the fourth inning on Wednesday due to right elbow stiffness. Manager Craig Stammen and a team trainer were seen with Pivetta as he left the game, and his final pitch of the night showed a drop in velocity. According to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com, Pivetta appeared frustrated as he exited the field.
Stammen provided some optimism after the game, stating that Pivetta may undergo imaging Thursday depending on how he feels. “There’s a world” where Pivetta makes his next start, Stammen said. This isn’t the first time Pivetta has dealt with arm issues this spring, as he missed a start in March due to arm fatigue.
Pivetta was the Padres’ most reliable starter in 2024, posting a 2.87 ERA over 31 starts and 181 2/3 innings. His potential absence would be a major setback for a team already missing key arms. Dylan Cease was traded to the Blue Jays in free agency, and Joe Musgrove is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, which is expected to keep him sidelined until October.
If Pivetta is sidelined, the Padres could turn to Matt Waldron or Griffin Canning for a spot in the rotation. Both are currently on the injured list but are progressing in their rehab assignments. Waldron is further along in his rehab and is likely the first choice to step in if Pivetta is placed on the shelf. Canning is on a guaranteed MLB contract and is expected to return sometime in April.
The Padres have other options if a fifth starter is needed before Waldron or Canning is ready. JP Sears is available at Triple-A, along with non-roster veterans Marco Gonzales and Triston McKenzie. Randy Vasquez has been impressive early and could continue to fill a back-end role, while Michael King has shown signs of a return to form after a shoulder injury last season.
With Pivetta’s status uncertain, the Padres’ rotation is now more fragile. German Marquez has struggled so far in 2025 with a 5.54 ERA and 7.50 FIP, and Walker Buehler is still building consistency. The team will need depth to maintain its early-season momentum.
The Padres are set to host the Rockies again on Friday. Pivetta’s status for that game and beyond will be determined following Thursday’s imaging.
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