Nick Pivetta Will Start Game 3 of NLDS
The San Diego Padres starter takes the mound at Petco Park on October 6, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Baseball
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Nick Pivetta is set to start Game 3 of the National League Division Series for the San Diego Padres on October 6, 2026. The 33-year-old right-hander aims to stabilize the pitching rotation following a season interrupted by elbow concerns.
Why it matters
The Padres are counting on Pivetta to deliver a high-stakes performance after his return from a four-month absence. Coaching staff remain focused on mitigating performance issues like pitch tipping to ensure success in the postseason.
Nick Pivetta has recorded 18 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings since his return, while teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. has struggled to a 1-for-14 start in the 2026 postseason. Pitcher Mason Miller recently reached 104 mph in his own relief outings.
The players
Nick Pivetta
He is a 33-year-old starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres who recently returned from a long-term injury.
Fernando Tatis Jr.
He is a star player for the San Diego Padres who has struggled with a 1-for-14 batting record so far this postseason.
Mason Miller
He is a relief pitcher known for throwing fastballs reaching 104 mph who recently surrendered three walks in an appearance.
The details
Pivetta returned to the rotation in September after a lengthy rehab process that sidelined him starting in April. The organization continues to employ a specialized crew to monitor player mechanics for potential pitch tipping.
Timeline
April 2026 marks when Nick Pivetta stopped pitching due to elbow discomfort.
September 2026 is when Nick Pivetta returned to the starting rotation.
October 4, 2026, was the date of Mason Miller's ninth-inning relief appearance.
October 6, 2026, is the scheduled date for Game 3 of the NLDS.
Season Trajectory
The Padres are attempting to reshape their postseason narrative after recent losses in Milwaukee and a slow start for key hitters. This game at Petco Park follows the pattern of intense scrutiny established by the previous season's postseason opener at Wrigley Field.
The team needs a bounce-back performance from Fernando Tatis Jr., who has four strikeouts in three postseason games. Pivetta must maintain control to provide depth for a bullpen that saw Mason Miller struggle with walks in his most recent outing.
The takeaway
Postseason success often hinges on a starting pitcher's ability to remain mechanically sound under pressure. Fans should monitor whether the team's anti-tipping protocols successfully protect their pitchers during critical high-stakes matchups.
Further reading
For more information on the team's postseason progress, see the Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
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