Nicholas Pivetta: Everything you need to know

The Padres transferred Pivetta (forearm) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday. The right-hander landed on the shelf in mid-April due to a flexor strain and isn't expected back anytime soon, so the move to the 60-day IL doesn't affect his return outlook. Pivetta recently returned to playing catch, but he still has a significant way to go in his throwing program before returning to game action.

Pivetta (forearm) played catch Friday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union Tribune reports. Though Pivetta's throwing was on flat ground in the outfield at Nationals Park, it was still a significant step given that it was the first time he has played catch since landing on the injured list April 14. The veteran pitcher is expected to continue playing catch on flat ground for at least two weeks before a determination is made about his next steps. Acee reports that the Padres are being cautious with Pivetta as well as with fellow injured starter Joe Musgrove (elbow). It's quite possible that neither pitcher will be ready to return until after the All-Star break.

Padres manager Craig Stammen told reporters Wednesday that Pivetta was diagnosed with a right flexor strain, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Per Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Sports Association, Stammen believes that Pivetta is looking at "weeks, maybe months" of rehab and rest. That kind of timeline indicates that Pivetta will be out of action until the summer, potentially through the All-Star break in mid-July. Matt Waldron (lower body) is slated to take Pivetta's spot in the rotation later this week once the former is activated from the 15-day IL.