Pivetta previously spent time on the injured list in 2024 with a right elbow flexor strain, adding context to concerns about his elbow health.

If Pivetta lands on the injured list, the Padres could turn to Matt Waldron, a knuckleballer in the minors at El Paso, who has a 0.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 12 innings there.

This situation follows a spring training arm-fatigue period that caused him to miss a start, and a slow start to the season after finishing sixth in NL Cy Young voting the previous year.

As of the latest game, he remained 1-2 on the season with a 5.54 ERA, and the elbow stiffness drew caution from Stammen about protecting the pitcher.

The Padres signed Pivetta to a $55 million deal in February 2025 that includes two optional opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, contingent on injuries and time on the injured list.

If needed, Waldron’s knuckleball could provide depth or a spot start, highlighting the Padres’ flexibility in their pitching staff.

Padres manager Craig Stammen and head athletic trainer Mark Rogow checked on Pivetta, who acknowledged feeling unwell and stressed the need to protect his health.

Pivetta had been partway through a solid outing, retiring the first nine batters with a 92.2 mph four-seam fastball before a brief delay and exit in the fourth inning.

Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta, 33, left Sunday's game against Colorado with apparent right elbow stiffness after a 92.2 mph fastball to Edouard Julien, ending his outing in the fourth inning as San Diego held a 7-2 lead.

Pivetta exited after 46 pitches in a performance where he had retired the first nine batters and had four strikeouts with no hits through three innings before the issue arose.

The team was seeking a sweep of the Rockies and extending a hot stretch, but Pivetta’s early exit introduces uncertainty about pitching depth and roster options.

Pivetta finished the previous season strong, finishing sixth in NL Cy Young voting with a 13-5 record and a 2.87 ERA.