Washington Nationals at San Diego Padres

The mere sight of Nick Pivetta trotting out to a Major League mound on Monday afternoon was encouraging for the Padres.  The ensuing result? Even more so. After missing nearly five months with a flexor strain in his right elbow, the right-hander was activated from the 60-day injured list and made his long-awaited return in the series opener against the Nationals at Petco Park, tossing five scoreless innings and earning the win in the Padres’ 3-2 victory. ​ “I think he exceeded all expectations, maybe including himself also,” Padres manager Craig Stammen said. “Very good offense he faced today, and \[he looked\