It seems like we were at this point a few months ago. Optimism was high, as all eyes were on San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta’s first rehab pitching appearance in Lake Elsinore.
If all went well, he was the obvious choice to join the starting rotation. However, those dreams were shattered after Pivetta walked off the mound before the inning was over. He was favoring his right throwing arm, which is never an ideal look in a rehab appearance.
The Friar Faithful thought it would be impossible to
see Pivetta on a major league mound again in 2026. Despite all the setbacks, he continued with his rehab throwing program.
Now, Pivetta has earned another opportunity to make a difference this season.
Veteran starting pitching is a hot commodity in September
Organizations value veteran starting pitchers because they rarely get rattled in postseason games. Inexperienced starters have excellent raw skills, but they do succumb to the pressures of October baseball. Pitching in high-level situations can be overwhelming, as veterans rarely overthink the moment.
Young pitchers often struggle the second time through the lineup. Veteran starters quickly recognize which pitches get outs and which ones are hit with authority. The playoffs are all about making adjustments.
The matter of Vasquez
Theloser in this move is Randy Vasquez, who was sent to the bullpen. While the front office believes in Vasquez’s potential, his production does not match Pivetta’s yet.
Coming into spring training, Vasquez was considered a fifth-starter candidate. Quickly, he evolved into a hard-throwing mainstay of the staff with a drop-dead sinker.
The right-hander prefers to start, but he will sacrifice his preference and slide into a bullpen role for the stretch run. The Padres expect him to excel because Vasquez is not afraid to challenge hitters.
No question, he has upside and probably will be the No. 3 starter in the 2027 Friars starting rotation.
Amid speculation about Pivetta’s return, the Padres’ decision to choose a pitcher with 214 big-league starts over a rising talent with just 73 career starts is tough to argue against.
Padres searching for starters at deadline
At the trade deadline, the Friars were desperate for starting pitching. For the first time this season, they looked outside the organization for solutions. Before the bell rang, the Padres acquired Robbie Ray from the San Francisco Giants and Casey Mize from the Detroit Tigers.
Each move sounds great in theory, but adding Pivetta to the starting rotation gives the Padres a veteran-laden staff. It was never clear if the Friars fully considered him a pitching option after his latest rehab setback. But Pivetta is the perfect fit to start behind Ray and Mize because of his proven track record.
Yes, he is a slight upgrade over Vasquez because of his major league experience. He posted a 3.43 ERA in his first five starts before suffering a flexor strain in his right elbow.
Pivetta’s talent is evident, but injuries have repeatedly disrupted his momentum. He still has time this season to showcase his pitching talents.
Suddenly, the Friars are an enticing postseason option.
Padres News:
- Lake Elsinore began postseason play as seasons wind down for Padres’ minor league affiliates. Coleman Borthwick was impressive in his debut.
- The Padres know the season could come down to the final series with the Arizona Diamondbacks and that is how they are preparing for the stretch run of the season.
- Annie Heilbronn of the San Diego Union-Tribune talked with new Padres pitcher Casey Mize to give fans more information about the new rotation piece.
- Fernando Tatis Jr. has reached 20 home runs on the season despite his long homer less drought to start the year. Dennis Lin of The Athletic looks at what he did to rediscover his power.
Baseball News:
- Anthony Volpe returned to the lineup and helped power the New York Yankees to a win over the Colorado Rockies.
- The Houston Astros topped the Philadelphia Phillies, 2-1.
- The Atlanta Braves beat the Tampa Bay Rays behind a solid start from Martin Perez.
