Padres Receive Disappointing Nick Pivetta Update Amid Rehab Assignment

Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Padres Receive Disappointing Nick Pivetta Update Amid Rehab Assignment

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 7, 2026 7:02 AM ET

The San Diego Padres received a disappointing update on veteran right-hander Nick Pivetta, who will pause his rehab assignment for a few more days after experiencing right elbow tightness during his first outing with Single-A Lake Elsinore. AJ Cassavell of MLB.com shared the update Friday after manager Craig Stammen addressed Pivetta's status.

Pivetta exited his rehab start Tuesday after feeling tightness in his right elbow during the fourth inning. Although he later threw an additional 20-to-30 pitches in an indoor bullpen and reported feeling fine, the Padres will temporarily halt his progression before restarting his throwing program.

The Padres entered Friday with a 60-56 record, sitting third in the National League West and trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks by two games for the top National League Wild Card spot.

Nick Pivetta's rehab progression has been paused. Nothing has changed since he came off the mound Tuesday, Craig Stammen said. Still optimism, but:

"Any time someone comes off the mound in the middle of an inning when they're rehabbing an elbow injury, we've got to pause."
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) August 7, 2026

Pivetta opened the season as San Diego's Opening Day starter before landing on the injured list with right elbow inflammation in April. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list in June and had been preparing for his long-awaited return before this latest setback.

The 32-year-old made four starts before the injury, going 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 16 innings. He followed a standout 2025 campaign in which he posted a 13-5 record with a 2.87 ERA over 181.2 innings, earning a three-year, $55 million contract with San Diego.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (27) Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

While the setback is not believed to be serious, it delays Pivetta's return at a critical point in the season. San Diego has already reinforced its rotation by acquiring Robbie Ray and Casey Mize before the trade deadline, providing additional depth while waiting on injured starters.

The Padres will continue monitoring Pivetta's elbow over the coming days before determining when he can resume his rehab assignment. For now, the club remains hopeful the pause is precautionary rather than a sign of a more significant issue.

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This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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