Nick Pivetta Secures First Opening Day Start in Padres’ Unsteady Rotation
The San Diego Padres announced their Opening Day starter on Monday. Nick Pivetta will take the mound for the season opener in 2026. It will be the right-hander’s first career Opening Day start.
Why Pivetta was chosen
Pivetta started the Padres’ playoff opener last fall. That outing and a strong 2025 campaign made him the obvious pick. Manager Craig Stammen confirmed the assignment and praised Pivetta’s proven form.
Pivetta posted a 2.87 ERA in 2025. He threw 181 2/3 innings and struck out 190 batters. Those marks were career highs and helped establish him as the club’s most reliable starter.
Health and spring developments
The club delayed the decision after a minor scare in camp. Two weeks ago Pivetta skipped a Cactus League start due to what the team labeled mild arm fatigue. He has since thrown in two exhibitions and showed mid-90s velocity.
Pivetta signed a four-year, $55 million deal last spring. He retains an opt-out option that becomes available in November.
Front‑line questions behind him
The rest of the rotation remains uncertain. Joe Musgrove will open the season on the injured list after a setback in Tommy John surgery recovery. Michael King is aiming to prove his health after 15 starts last year.
Randy Vásquez produced an encouraging spring as he prepares for his fourth big-league campaign. Walker Buehler and Germán Márquez are expected to fill out the rotation, though both pitchers have seen their roles altered by elbow operations. Depth beyond those names is thin.
Front office choices
During the winter, the Padres explored trade options involving Pivetta. The team ultimately decided to keep him rather than sell at his recent peak value. Given the rotation’s fragility, executives felt retaining Pivetta made sense.
Opening Day matchup
The season opener is set for Thursday at Petco Park. Pivetta will likely face Detroit ace Tarik Skubal in a marquee matchup. The game shapes up as a tough early test for the staff.
Nick Pivetta secured the Opening Day start amid an unsteady rotation for the Padres. Expectations are simple. The club wants a repeat of last year’s consistency.
Report by Filmogaz.com.
