Nick Pivetta Named Padres’ Opening Day Starter
In Peoria, Ariz., the Padres waited until Monday morning to announce their Opening Day starter. They were the last MLB club to make the decision.
The selection went to Nick Pivetta, the rotation’s most reliable arm last season. He is scheduled to start on Thursday.
Why Pivetta earned the role
Manager Craig Stammen said Pivetta was the team’s best pitcher across the previous year. Stammen noted Pivetta was the No. 1 starter in the Wild Card Series against the Cubs.
Pivetta, 33, ranked among MLB leaders in 2025. He tied for ninth in ERA at 2.87 and ranked fifth in WHIP at 0.98.
He finished 13th in strikeout percentage at 26.4 percent. His 181 2/3 innings placed him 18th among starters.
Spring training workload and the decision
Early March arm fatigue caused the Padres to skip Pivetta’s scheduled third start. He made four Cactus League outings and reached 71 pitches in four-plus innings in his final spring game.
Michael King threw 91 pitches over five innings in his fifth spring start. The club debated between Pivetta and King because of differing pitch counts.
Stammen said past performance factored heavily into the choice. The coaching staff ultimately backed the player who earned the nod last season.
Rotation plan for opening weekend
- Pivetta faces the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. He will oppose Tarik Skubal, a two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner.
- Michael King will start on Friday.
- Randy Vásquez is scheduled for Saturday.
- The Padres are off on Sunday.
- Walker Buehler is slated to pitch Monday or Tuesday.
- Germán Márquez is expected to be the fifth starter.
This announcement settles the Padres’ rotation for the season opener. Reported by Filmogaz.com.
