Red Sox Pitcher Nick Pivetta Placed On IL With Elbow Strain
Red Sox Pitcher Nick Pivetta Placed On IL With Elbow Strain...
The Boston Red Sox placed right-handed starter Nick Pivetta on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right elbow flexor strain, dealing another blow to their rotation. The 33-year-old veteran exited Friday's start against the Angels after just 2.2 innings when he felt tightness while throwing a slider.
Pivetta told reporters he doesn't believe the injury is serious, but the team opted for caution given his importance to the pitching staff. "It's more precautionary than anything," manager Alex Cora said before Sunday's game. "We'll know more after the imaging comes back."
The injury comes at a critical time for Boston, who entered Sunday just 1.5 games behind Baltimore in the AL East. Pivetta had been their most consistent starter, posting a 3.04 ERA through his first four outings. His absence leaves the rotation thin behind ace Brayan Bello.
Red Sox fans expressed concern on social media, with many noting the team's history of elbow injuries to pitchers. The news trended nationally as baseball analysts debated potential replacements, including top prospect Wikelman Gonzalez.
Pivetta will undergo further evaluation Monday at Massachusetts General Hospital. The typical recovery timeline for flexor strains ranges from 2-6 weeks depending on severity. Boston recalled right-hander Zack Kelly from Triple-A Worcester to fill the roster spot.
The injury comes during a stretch where Boston plays 13 straight games without an off day. Cora said the team may use an opener or bullpen game during Pivetta's absence. "We've got to be creative," he told NESN.
Pivetta's injury is the latest in a string of pitching health concerns across MLB this season. Several high-profile starters, including Cleveland's Shane Bieber and Miami's Eury Pérez, have already undergone Tommy John surgery in 2026.
Medical staff will monitor Pivetta's throwing progression daily. The Canadian-born pitcher told The Athletic he's "optimistic" about returning when first eligible on April 28. Boston begins a crucial divisional series against the Yankees that day.
