Fernando Tatis Jr. Helps Padres Win As Pivetta Returns

Fernando Tatis Jr. continued his strong offensive stretch Monday, helping the San Diego Padres secure a 3-2 victory over the Washington Nationals while Nick Pivetta made an effective return from a lengthy injury absence.

Tatis Jr. collected two hits in three at-bats and scored once from the leadoff spot. Fellow Dominican star Manny Machado also had two hits, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one RBI as San Diego opened the series at Petco Park with a win.

Pivetta Makes Successful Return

The Padres activated Pivetta from the 60-day injured list before the game, bringing the right-hander back nearly five months after he suffered a strain to the flexor muscle in his right elbow.

Limited to 63 pitches, Pivetta delivered exactly what San Diego needed. He worked five scoreless innings to earn the victory, allowing the Padres to rely on their bullpen after he reached his predetermined workload.

The outing followed a rehabilitation start for Triple-A El Paso on August 30, when Pivetta threw 64 pitches over four and one-third innings. His workload had been carefully managed as he prepared to return to the major leagues.

Pivetta retired the first six batters he faced, with center fielder Jackson Merrill making a leaping catch in the first inning to take an extra-base hit away from Puerto Rican hitter Abimelec Ortiz. The right-hander later retired nine of the final 10 batters he faced.

Although Pivetta recorded only one strikeout, he avoided giving up a series of long at-bats. Daylen Lile, Washington’s designated hitter, was the only batter to see more than six pitches in an at-bat against him, with a seven-pitch matchup ending in a strikeout in the second inning.

Dominican Stars Provide the Offense

Tatis Jr. and Machado supplied the offensive support Pivetta needed. Tatis reached base twice and scored a run, while Machado’s two-hit performance included an RBI and two trips across home plate.

The contributions from the two Dominican stars came at an important point in San Diego’s season. The Padres entered the game competing for the final National League wild-card position, making every game increasingly significant as the regular season moves toward its conclusion.

San Diego had strengthened its starting rotation after the trade deadline with the additions of Robbie Ray and Casey Mize, but Pivetta’s return gives the club another option as it manages the final stretch of the playoff race.

Padres Face Tight National League Race

The Padres began the day just behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League wild-card race. Arizona improved to 77-68 after beating the Kansas City Royals 5-4 in 10 innings, while San Diego moved to 76-68 with Monday’s victory.

That narrow margin leaves little room for dropped games. Pivetta’s ability to provide five scoreless innings in his first major league appearance since his injury gives San Diego additional depth at a time when the club is trying to remain in postseason position.

Padres manager Craig Stammen said before the game that Pivetta’s confidence in his physical condition played a major role in the decision to activate him. His recent performances for El Paso, combined with direct observation and video review, gave the team enough assurance that he was ready to return.

For San Diego, the combination of Pivetta’s efficient outing and continued production from Tatis Jr. and Machado provided a timely boost. With the wild-card race separated by a fraction of a game, the Padres will need both their pitching depth and established Dominican hitters to remain productive during the stretch run.