The San Diego Padres looked like they could get starting pitchers Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove back for the postseason push.
Pivetta made a rehab start on Tuesday for the Lake Elsinore Storm, but he exited after just 14 pitches and went to the dugout in frustration.
An update from Lake Elsinore.
— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) August 4, 2026
Nick Pivetta walked off the mound after throwing a pitch and went straight to the dugout. pic.twitter.com/qdpo3eGHZ9
Pivetta started just four games before landing on the IL due to a right elbow injury, and he has been working hard to make it back.
However, this latest setback is a tough blow, and the Padres could void the rest of Pivetta’s deal.
“San Diego could cut short Nick Pivetta’s $55 million, four-year contract after two seasons if he gets a specified long-term injury and the Padres also could extend the deal for a fifth season at the relatively low price of $5 million,” according to Ronald Blum of The Associated Press.
Pivetta signed a four-year, $55 million deal before the 2025 season, so the Padres could void the remaining $32 million if Pivetta doesn’t return by August 22.
Brutal.
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) August 4, 2026
Nick Pivetta threw a pitch and immediately took himself out of the game in his rehab start.
Of note: If Pivetta isn’t back by August 22nd, the Padres can void the final 2 years, $32 million of his contract. pic.twitter.com/T1qapdF0qS
The Padres acquired a pair of pitchers at the trade deadline, landing Robbie Ray in a deal with the San Francisco Giants and Casey Mize from the Detroit Tigers, so there is some help on the way.
Still, Pivetta was San Diego’s best starter in 2025, and depending on how the next few weeks go, he could be cut loose following the 2026 campaign.
