Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove make rehab starts at Lake Elsinore Storm
Credit: AP Photo
On a rather uncharacteristic day game for the Lake Elsinore Storm, three major leaguers began their rehab assignments the very same day. Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta of the San Diego Padres and Tyler Glasnow of the Los Angeles Dodgers all made appearances Tuesday Morning at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore.
First up was Musgrove, who pitched a total of 2 2/3 innings. Joe made quick work of the first three batters, striking out two in the process.
A 1-2-3 first inning with 2 strikeouts for Joe Musgrove!#EmbraceTheStorm🌩️ pic.twitter.com/TE8hIvhfZ2
— Lake Elsinore Storm (@Storm_Baseball) August 4, 2026
The second inning was a little more dicey; two hits brought runners on third and first, then a wild pitch allowed the runner on third to score. Two more walks loaded the bases, but Musgrove finished the inning out at one run, striking out one more for good measure.
Musgrove seemed to be feeling good enough to continue a little longer. It’s helpful that his first two batters were quick outs. With that, Musgrove completed his rehab start. Allowing two hits, a run and three strikeouts in 39 pitches.
Pivetta entered the game in the fourth inning, making quick work of his first two batters. He allowed a hit, sending a runner to first base. In what would have likely been his final batter, Pivetta threw a pitch called a ball low. At the same time, Pivetta walked off the mound. At first it appeared Pivetta was protesting the call the umpire made, walking off in frustration. However, the major leaguer gestured something to the Storm coach Brallan Perez while walking into the dugout.
Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta abruptly walks off the mound after two batters. pic.twitter.com/1A3T8TgFKr
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) August 4, 2026
There wasn’t a lot of news about his condition immediately following his exit. However, Craig Stammen shed some light on what happened after. As the story goes, after sitting for a few minutes, Pivetta went to the bullpen and threw about 20 pitches at full force. According to Kevin Acee, Pivetta “Felt discomfort on the mound. Then he felt OK.” At the moment, there seems to be some optimism on his return.
The silver lining is both men were hitting around 95 mph on their fastballs. Musgrove in particular had a lot of fantastic movement on his pitches. For someone whose most recent experience was an exhibition match during spring training, he looked pretty good.
As far as Pivetta goes, there’s not too much to analyze. He only lasted about a handful of pitches before his ungraceful exit. Right now, the biggest concern is how he bounces back from this minor setback.
The Padres will know more this week. Stay tuned.
