yahoo
In a surprising turn of events during Tuesday's minor league outing, San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta cut his rehab appearance short, striding off the mound just three batters into his stint with High-A Lake Elsinore. The 10-year MLB veteran had been working his way back from a right elbow flexor strain that has kept him sidelined since April.
Pivetta took the hill in the top of the fourth inning, retiring the first two hitters on flyouts to center field. After surrendering a first-pitch single to Oswaldo Osorio, he faced Conner O'Neal. On the next delivery, Pivetta's pitch sailed wide of the plate for a called ball, and he immediately turned and headed toward the dugout, visibly frustrated.
As he exited, Pivetta paused and appeared to gesture toward his groin or right quadriceps area, though it remains unclear whether that was the source of the issue. He had thrown just 14 pitches before Rordy Mejia took over on the mound.
Key Analysis
Pivetta, who is in his second season with San Diego and 10th overall in the majors, was reportedly eyeing a return to the big league club by late August. The sudden exit raises fresh concerns about his recovery timeline, especially given the lack of immediate comment from the Padres organization. Fans and analysts will be watching closely for updates on the veteran's condition as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.
Originally reported by yahoo.