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Padres Nightmare: Pivetta Exits Rehab Start with Injury
Padres Pitching Depth Tested as Pivetta Exits Rehab Start with Injury
LAKE ELSINORE — The San Diego Padres got some scary news on Tuesday when two of their pitchers were trying to work their way back from injuries. One left the game early with a new problem, while the other took a small step forward.
What Happened at Lake Elsinore?
On Tuesday, the Padres had two starting pitchers making "rehab starts" for their minor league team, the Lake Elsinore Storm (that’s their Low Single-A affiliate — think of it like baseball’s "practice league" for younger players).
Here’s how it went for each guy:
Nick Pivetta — Left Early with Apparent Injury
- This was his first game action since April 12 — he’d been out with "flexor discomfort" (that’s pain in the forearm muscles that help you grip and snap the ball)
- He only got two outs in the 4th inning before walking off the mound
- He shook his head and walked quickly to the dugout — not a good sign
- Before leaving: 14 pitches, 8 strikes, hit 95 mph, allowed 1 hit
- The team hasn’t announced what’s wrong yet — this story will be updated
Joe Musgrove — Solid First Step Back
- First game since Tommy John surgery in October 2024 (that’s a major elbow ligament reconstruction — think of it like rebuilding a torn rubber band in your elbow)
- Threw 2 ⅔ innings (that’s 8 outs)
- Allowed 1 run on 2 hits
- 39 pitches, 22 for strikes
- 3 strikeouts, 2 walks
- Overall: a decent first outing for a guy coming back from major surgery
Who Is Nick Pivetta?
Think of him as a "innings eater" — a guy who can go 5-6 innings most nights and keep the team in the game.
- Right-handed starter (throws with his right hand, starts the game)
- Signed with the Padres to add rotation depth (insurance for the starting five)
- Before getting hurt: 4 starts, 1-2 record, 4.50 ERA (ERA = Earned Run Average — lower is better; 4.50 is okay-ish)
- Was pitching well enough to help a contending team
Who Is Joe Musgrove?
He’s a homegrown San Diego guy — grew up in the area, went to high school nearby.
- Right-handed starter, been with the Padres since 2021
- Had Tommy John surgery in October 2024 — missed the entire 2025 season
- Before surgery: one of the Padres’ most reliable starters
- Throwing 95+ mph again is a huge checkpoint in his recovery
- Tuesday was Step 1 of many on the road back to the big leagues
Why This Matters for the Padres
| Good News | Bad News |
|---|---|
| Musgrove looked okay in his first start back | Pivetta may have a new injury — right after returning from the last one |
| Padres added two starters Monday for depth | That depth is already being tested |
| Musgrove progressing toward 2026 return | Pivetta’s injury history (flexor → now this) is a red flag |
IMPORTANT POINT: The Padres are in a playoff race. Losing a starter — especially one you just brought in for depth — forces everyone else to pitch more innings. That leads to fatigue, which leads to more injuries. It’s a domino effect.
What Happens Next? (Numbered Steps)
- Wait for official word on Pivetta — MRI? More tests? Day-to-day? IL again?
- Musgrove continues his rehab assignment — likely 3-4 more minor league starts
- Padres may need to call up another starter from Triple-A (El Paso) or make a trade
- Bullpen usage goes up — relievers have to cover more innings when starters go short
- Front office evaluates — is the current rotation enough for October baseball?
Summary
- Padres pitching depth took a hit Tuesday at Low-A Lake Elsinore
- Nick Pivetta left his rehab start early with an apparent injury — his first game back since April
- Joe Musgrove looked decent in his first start since Tommy John surgery (Oct 2024)
- The team added two starters Monday, but now might need even more help
- Next few days are critical — Pivetta’s diagnosis will determine how urgent the search for pitching becomes
FAQ
What is a "rehab assignment"?
When a major league player is injured, they go to the minor leagues to play real games and build up strength before returning to the big club. It’s like "practice games that count."
What is Tommy John surgery?
A surgery to replace a torn elbow ligament (UCL) with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. Recovery takes 12-18 months for pitchers. It’s named after the first pitcher to have it successfully.
What does "piggyback" mean in this context?
Two starters pitch in the same game — one goes 3-4 innings, the other follows for 3-4 innings. It lets both build up pitch count without overworking either arm.
What is the "flexor" that bothered Pivetta in April?
The flexor mass is a group of muscles in your forearm that control wrist and finger flexion — crucial for gripping and spinning a baseball. Strains here are common for pitchers.
How worried should Padres fans be?
Moderately. Musgrove progressing is great news. Pivetta re-injuring (or new injury) is concerning. The Padres have some depth, but October baseball requires 5+ reliable starters. The front office will likely be active.
