Nick Pivetta Will Return To Padres' Rotation On Monday

[Steve Drumwright]

 

 

Just over a month ago, Nick Pivetta walked off the mound in Lake Elsinore, looking like his season might be over. Now, the right-hander is set to rejoin the San Diego Padres for the final three weeks of the regular season.

Pivetta will be activated from the 60-day injured list and start Monday's game against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park, manager Craig Stammen said following Sunday's 4-3 victory over the New York Yankees. Right-hander Randy Vasquez will move to a relief role, perhaps piggybacking Pivetta on Monday.

The Padres will have to make moves regarding the 26- and 40-man rosters to accommodate Pivetta's return. One possibility on the 26-man roster would be sending right-hander Jhony Brito back to Triple-A El Paso, while designated hitter Miguel Andujar could be transferred to the 60-day IL.

The 33-year-old has been out since mid-April with a strained right flexor in his right elbow. After being sidelined for a lengthy period, he began a rehab assignment Aug. 4 with fellow right-handed starter Joe Musgrove at Low-A Lake Elsinore. Musgrove started and his outing went well, but Pivetta walked off the mound after throwing his 14th pitch, saying that his elbow didn't feel right. However, he did throw about 30 pitches in a bullpen session that day, a good sign. But he returned a couple weeks later, making one start for Lake Elsinore and then one last weekend for Triple-A El Paso and looked good.

Everyone involved in the process decided that if Pivetta came out of Saturday's bullpen session feeling good that he would start against the Nationals.

 

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