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Padres pause Pivetta rehab, risk $32M contract void, add Ray

8/8/2026

30 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Padres manager Craig Stammen paused Nick Pivetta’s rehab after he left his first start early due to right-elbow tightness.
A flexor tendon strain and inflammation forced Pivetta out of his April 12 start after three innings.
Stammen said Pivetta must return by Aug. 22 or the Padres could void the final two years of his $32 million contract.
The Padres added veteran Robbie Ray to the rotation while Pivetta’s status remains uncertain.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 DL stint of Andy Pettitte came as MLB’s disabled-list rules, introduced in 1966 and expanded in 1990, were already being used to manage roster costs. A 12 % rise in pitcher injury claims that season prompted teams like the Padres in 2024 to tighten medical clauses, influencing arbitration and salary planning.

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Story summary

Padres manager Craig Stammen paused Nick Pivetta’s rehab after he left his first start early due to right-elbow tightness.
A flexor tendon strain and inflammation forced Pivetta out of his April 12 start after three innings.
Stammen said Pivetta must return by Aug. 22 or the Padres could void the final two years of his $32 million contract.
The Padres added veteran Robbie Ray to the rotation while Pivetta’s status remains uncertain.

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