Nick Pivetta returns from injured list to start for San Diego Padres

Nick Pivetta returned to the San Diego Padres pitching rotation on Monday after spending months on the 60-day injured list with a flexor strain in his elbow. He logged five scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals, allowing only two hits and no walks while recording two strikeouts. The veteran right-hander required only 63 pitches to complete his outing, aided by defensive support from Jackson Merrill. Pivetta previously made three minor league rehab appearances, where he pitched eight innings and struck out 11 batters. His return comes as the Padres chase the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final National League Wild Card spot with 18 games remaining in the regular season. The team expects Pivetta to make three additional starts in September as they navigate a crowded rotation featuring Walker Buehler, Michael King, Casey Mize, Robbie Ray, and Randy Vásquez.

• 1:51 AMYahoo Sports — What Nick Pivetta’s Dominant Return Means for Padres