Nick Pivetta stands tall as Padres’ $55M ace amid bullpen struggles against Reds
In a season marked by injuries and inconsistent performances within the San Diego Padres’ starting rotation, Nick Pivetta has emerged as a reliable force. The 32-year-old right-hander delivered another impressive outing on Wednesday night, silencing the Cincinnati Reds over seven innings at Petco Park. Pivetta’s masterclass featured four hits allowed and eight strikeouts, allowing him to lower his ERA to 2.73 for the season. With a 13-5 record across 29 starts, he has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the rotation.
Bullpen falters in crucial moment
Despite Pivetta’s brilliance, the Padres’ bullpen faltered, leading to a disappointing finish. With key relievers unavailable, the Reds capitalized in the eighth inning, scoring two runs to snatch a 2-1 comeback victory. While San Diego has faced its fair share of challenges recently, they remain in a strong position to secure a second consecutive playoff berth. As October approaches, the question arises: could Pivetta step up as the ace of the Padres’ rotation?
Pivetta’s value shines through
Having signed a four-year, $55 million contract in the offseason, Pivetta is proving his worth as the Padres’ most dependable starter. While Michael King has posted a solid 2.87 ERA, his season has been limited to just 12 starts due to injuries. Dylan Cease, who has made 29 starts, carries a 4.71 ERA, his highest since entering Major League Baseball in 2019. This situation has thrust Pivetta into the role of lead starter, and he is answering the call with poise.
“Nick’s going to meet the challenge,” said manager Mike Shildt, reflecting on Pivetta’s performance and potential down the stretch. “He met it tonight. Clearly, we expect and have a lot of confidence in him being able to do it in the future.”
Looking ahead to the Mets
While Pivetta is poised to be a crucial asset in the postseason, he remains focused on the present. His next challenge awaits as he prepares to face the New York Mets next week at Citi Field.
“I try not to look too far forward,” Pivetta noted, emphasizing his approach. “I feel like you get lost in it. I’ve got a start coming up here soon. I look forward to that challenge. I look forward to that game.”
As the Padres navigate the final stretch of the season, Pivetta’s steady hand could very well be the key to their success in October.
