MILWAUKEE -- The Padres have tabbed right-hander Nick Pivetta to start Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Brewers on Tuesday in San Diego, manager Craig Stammen announced.
The decision shouldn’t come as a surprise. Pivetta followed Michael King in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series vs. the Cubs, and would be pitching on five days of rest. Walker Buehler, meanwhile, remains on the paternity list, and could be lined up to pitch a potential Game 4.
Pivetta missed five months this season due to a flexor strain in his right elbow but has been excellent since returning in early September. Counting his appearance in the Wild Card Series, Pivetta has a 1.64 ERA since being reinstated from the IL on Sept. 7. He has become a legitimate No. 2 option behind King.
It’s hard to know what to make of Pivetta’s Wild Card Series -- he only lasted 3 1/3 innings and dealt with plenty of traffic on the basepaths -- but only allowed one run. And the Padres, playing with a lead, were always going to go to their bullpen early in a potential clincher.
“[Pivetta] pitched very well here once he came back from injury in September,” said Stammen. “Then [he] had a solid start against the Cubs in the Wild Card. He's been able to handle the moment, and we like his stuff.”