Nick Pivetta returns from injury to lead Padres over Nationals

Nick Pivetta returned to the San Diego Padres mound on September 7, 2026, delivering five scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park. The Padres offense secured a win despite managing only three runs on nine hits and three walks. San Diego’s core trio of Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill combined for eight of the team’s nine hits and three RBIs. Washington avoided a shutout when Kyle Hart allowed a two-run home run in the sixth inning, but the Padres bullpen maintained the lead to close out the series opener. The Padres roster adjustment included optioning Jhony Brito to Triple-A to accommodate Pivetta’s return from the 60-day injured list. San Diego now turns to Casey Mize to start against Washington in the second game of the series.

• 9:40 PMYahoo Sports — Pivetta shoves in return en route to Padres win