San Diego Padres starter Nick Pivetta has been placed on the 15-day injured list after developing inflammation in his right elbow, the team confirmed Tuesday.
The 33-year-old right-hander was performing well against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, striking out four batters and retiring the first nine hitters he faced through three complete innings. However, his outing ended abruptly when he was pulled after delivering a pitch to Edouard Julien at the start of the fourth inning.
The injury designation takes effect retroactively from Monday. To fill the roster spot, San Diego has brought up right-handed reliever Alek Jacob from their Triple-A affiliate in El Paso.
Jacob, age 27, has appeared in 39 games for the Padres across the past three seasons, including a personal-best 29 outings in 2025. His statistics show a 1-0 win-loss record alongside a 5.13 ERA and 1.50 WHIP.
Last season marked a breakthrough year for Pivetta, who achieved personal records across numerous statistical categories during his 31 starts. His accomplishments included 13 victories, a 2.87 ERA, 5.2 WAR, 0.99 WHIP, 181 2/3 innings pitched, and 190 strikeouts.
Through four starts in the current 2026 campaign, Pivetta holds a 1-2 record with a 4.50 ERA. While he struggled in the season opener against Detroit, surrendering six earned runs across three innings, his performance improved significantly in subsequent April outings. Over his last three starts spanning 13 innings, he allowed just two earned runs for a 1.38 ERA while recording 20 strikeouts against only three walks.
The veteran pitcher brings a decade of major league experience with a career record of 70-78 and 4.47 ERA. His professional journey included stints with the Philadelphia Phillies from 2017-20 and the Boston Red Sox from 2020-24 before joining San Diego on a four-year, $55 million contract prior to the 2025 season.
