Padres get important pitching injury update after Dodgers series

If the San Diego Padres want to get back to the postseason, they will need their starting pitching to improve. Over the last few years, the rotation had been one of the squad’s strengths, but in 2026, that is not the case.

The good news is that help is on the way. Nick Pivetta has been sidelined since mid-April with right elbow inflammation. San Diego desperately needs him back, and they could see him back on the mound very soon. A recent league update confirmed that Pivetta threw a light bullpen session recently.

“Sidelined after an MRI revealed a flexor strain. Began playing catch in late May, and threw a light bullpen on June 27. (Last updated: June 28).”

Pivetta was without a doubt the best pitcher on the Padres in 2026, finishing the season with a 2.87 ERA, the best of his career. If the Friars can get him back on the other side of the All-Star break, then that would be a massive boost for the squad’s playoff chances. The team is also hoping to receive a positive update from Joe Musgrove, who has not pitched in a game since 2024. On June 23, Musgrove threw a long ball session after experiencing a setback in March.

Right now, the rotation is miserable. Michael King is the leader of the group and is having a decent season, but SD has seen much better from the right-hander. Walker Buehler has actually been the second-best starter on this team this season. He just beat the Dodgers in his last start.

Randy Vasquez is struggling, and Lucas Giolito has struggled after signing early in the season, and it gets much worse. Griffin Canning has been horrendous for the Friars, and a few more arms are injured. It seems like manager Craig Stammen has an impossible job.

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