Padres tab RHP Nick Pivetta to starter opener vs. Tigers

Field Level Media|published: Mon 23rd March, 15:58 2026

Sep 22, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (27) delivers during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Nick Pivetta will make the first Opening Day start of his career on Thursday afternoon when the San Diego Padres host the Detroit Tigers.

Padres manager Craig Stammen made the announcement on Monday as the team was on the verge of ending spring training.

It won't be an easy assignment as the 33-year-old right-hander will face Tigers ace left-hander Tarik Skubal, who has won back-to-back American League Cy Young awards for the Tigers.

"We're excited for Nick to start Opening Day," Stammen said. "He was our best pitcher throughout the entire last season and was our No. 1 starter when we took on the Cubs in the wild-card series. He deserves to get the Opening Day nod."

Pivetta had a career-best season last year when he set personal highs for victories (13), ERA (2.87) and strikeouts (190). He lost just five decisions in 31 starts.

Pivetta is 69-76 with a 4.47 ERA in 254 career appearances (209 starts) with the Philadelphia Phillies (2017-20), Boston Red Sox (2020-24) and Padres.

Michael King will be San Diego's starter on Friday as he looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season. Fellow right-hander Randy Vasquez will start Saturday's series finale against the Tigers.

Right-hander Joe Musgrove will start the season on the injured list as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery on Oct. 24.

--Field Level Media

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