Pivetta Rehab Paused After Early Exit, Contract Clause at Risk

Nick Pivetta left his first rehab start with Low-A Lake Elsinore in the middle of an inning, prompting the Padres to pause his assignment for further evaluation. Manager Craig Stammen framed the decision as precautionary, noting no explicit change in health status, but said any mid-inning exit during elbow rehab demands a pause. Pivetta has been on the IL since April 14 with a flexor strain, and if he remains out past August 22 he will have exceeded 130 consecutive days, triggering a conditional $14MM club option that voids the final two guaranteed years of his deal. The tight timeline leaves little room for additional rehab appearances before reinstatement would be required.