Nick Pivetta is back in the San Diego Padres’ rotation at a critical point in the National League playoff race. The veteran right-hander was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Monday and is scheduled to start against the Washington Nationals.
To make room for Pivetta, the Padres optioned right-hander Jhony Brito to Triple-A El Paso. San Diego also designated catcher Blake Hunt for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Dennis Lin first reported Pivetta’s return, with the Padres later confirming the roster moves. Pivetta has been sidelined since April with a right elbow flexor strain that eventually required a lengthy rehabilitation process.
The right-hander made rehab appearances with Low-A Lake Elsinore and Triple-A El Paso as he worked back toward a starter’s workload. His return provides San Diego with another experienced arm for the final weeks of the regular season.
Pivetta was one of the Padres’ most effective starters last season, posting a 2.87 ERA. Getting him back now could be especially valuable with the club fighting for a Wild Card position.
San Diego entered Monday 75-68, just a half-game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final National League Wild Card spot. Every game carries added importance with the regular season approaching its final stretch.
Brito, meanwhile, returns to El Paso after serving as a multi-inning option for the Padres. The 28-year-old can remain available as pitching depth if San Diego needs another arm later this month.
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Hunt was designated for assignment after spending time behind the plate during injuries to Freddy Fermin and Luis Campusano. The move gives the Padres the 40-man roster flexibility required to bring Pivetta back.
Pivetta’s workload will be worth watching in his first major league appearance since April. San Diego can also turn to Randy Vásquez for length if the returning starter cannot work deep into Monday’s game.
With the Padres chasing October baseball, Pivetta’s return could not come at a more important time. If he can quickly regain his previous form, San Diego will have another weapon for its postseason push.
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