Padres Halt Nick Pivetta's Rehab Assignment for Evaluation

The San Diego Padres have decided to pause Nick Pivetta's rehab assignment as they await further evaluation, according to manager Craig Stammen. Pivetta exited during the first inning of his rehab outing at Low-A Lake Elsinore on Tuesday.

Despite the early exit, Pivetta managed to complete a bullpen session later that day and participated in a long toss program the following day. Stammen indicated that there has been no significant change in Pivetta's health, emphasizing the need for caution after he left the mound while recovering from an elbow injury.

This situation may have contractual implications for Pivetta, who signed a four-year, $55 million deal that includes an injury protection clause. If he does not return from injury within 130 days, a conditional $14 million club option for 2027 could be triggered, potentially voiding the final two years of his contract. The Padres are also facing challenges in their rotation due to injuries to both Pivetta and Joe Musgrove, who is also on a rehab assignment.