When word came that Nick Pivetta exited Sunday’s game due to elbow stiffness, Padres fans reacted with the poise and composure you’d expect to see in social-media posts.
.“Tommy John incoming,” posted one.
“The season is over,” another declared
“Welp,” said a third.
Manager Craig Stammen said Pivetta was affected by both elbow stiffness and sickness, and that the pitcher’s feedback Monday will determine if an MRI exam is needed.
Pivetta said “it’s too early” to know what’s wrong, but said the setback didn’t recall the forearm-tendon strain that sidelined him for a month early in the 2024 season.
Add up the postgame reports, and the mosaic was this:
It could be a mere blip. Or something far worse. Or something in between.
San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen looks on before a game against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on April 12, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Let’s go big picture.
The Padres have done a fine job solving pitching problems since failing to fix the rotation in the summer of 2021.
They aced a severe test last year, going 62-50 after No. 1 starter Michael King was shut down for three months and posted a 6.11 ERA in his final five starts. Fifth starters Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert provided competitive work before being traded for starting catcher Freddy Fermin. The bullpen came up large, posting a majors-best 2.85 ERA over the 126 games. And A.J. Preller improved several positions with summer trades.
This time around, what will happen?
Matt Waldron could join the team soon, and he looks capable of helping. He has added modest but helpful velocity to his two fastballs and knuckleball. The righty, 29, has thrown 12 scoreless innings in the Pacific Coast League, completing his rehab duty.
Lefty JP Sears is available. Griffin Canning could be ready in as soon as a few weeks. Joe Musgrove appears a bit further away.
Keep in mind, if Pivetta must be replaced, greatness won’t be needed. The league-average ERA hovers around 4.00. With the Padres’ bullpen still formidable, that may be enough.
Ramón Laureano #5 of the San Diego Padres rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on April 12, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The lineup and bench appear deeper this year, what with Ramón Laureano on the team from the outset, Manny Machado looking fully healthy and newcomer Ty France hitting the ball hard.
Batting leadoff, Laureano hit his team-high fourth home run Sunday, adding to a 7-2 win over the Rockies that completed a four-game sweep.
Stammen’s decision to move Fernando Tatis Jr to second base has boosted the lineup’s possibilities. Tatis himself appreciates that problem-solving teams go to the playoffs. “We’re going to try to figure out one way or the other,” the 27-year-old said of Pivetta’s setback, “and just go out there and compete.”
Pivetta’s actions were concerning.
On his 45th pitch, an errant curveball appeared to squirt out of the righty’s hand, causing pitching coach Ruben Niebla to stir in the dugout.
Pivetta followed with a fastball that, at 92 mph, was two ticks below his average.
Stammen went to the mound, which is rare. Visibly frustrated, Pivetta handed him the ball.
“Bullpen picked me up,” Pivetta said. “Team did a great job. Lot of home runs. Lot of great plays. Was able to get a really good sweep and build some good momentum at home.”
The Padres (10-6) are hoping they won’t have to pick Pivetta up again. Or if they do, it won’t be for long.
If they get put to a severe test, like with King last year, I won’t write off their chances in the wild-card races. There’s enough aptitude on the roster and the front office to make a wild-card bid work.