Padres' Nick Pivetta leaves game with elbow stiffness

SAN DIEGO — Nick Pivetta retired each of the first nine batters he faced Sunday at Petco Park. Before he could finish facing a 10th, the right-hander was forced from the game, casting a cloud over what had been an auspicious start to the San Diego Padres’ season.The Padres later announced that their No. 1 starter exited with right elbow stiffness. Leading off the fourth inning, Pivetta had appeared uncomfortable while displaying reduced velocity. After he threw a 92.2 mph fastball to Colorado Rockies second baseman Eduoard Julien, a team athletic trainer and manager Craig Stammen visited the mound. A brief conference ensued before Pivetta walked off the field and into the clubhouse.Advertisement