The Padres announced on Monday morning that Nick Pivetta would start on Opening Day against the Tigers at Petco Park, marking the first time in his nine year career to be earn that opportunity. Pivetta is coming off of a career year with the Padres, earning a 2.87 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP with 190 strikeouts in his first season in brown and gold. With Michael King coming off of an injury-riddled 2025 season and Joe Musgrove likely to begin the season on the IL, Pivetta was the clear cut option for the Friars. The Padres will host the Tigers on Opening Day with first pitch at 1:10 on 97.3 The Fan!
Piv gets the nod 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RvIzWTafs4
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 23, 2026
