SAN DIEGO (AP) — Nick Pivetta pitched five shutout innings in his return from a long stay on the injured list and the San Diego Padres beat the skidding Washington Nationals 3-2 on Monday to keep pace in the National League playoff race.

Nick Pivetta took the mound for the San Diego Padres for the first time in a major league game since the second week of April. No one was quite sure what to expect from the right-

The Padres have spent the past few months wondering what kind of impact a healthy Nick Pivetta could make on a pennant race. At long last, they’re going to find out. In a surprise announcement following Sunday’s game against the Yankees,

Nick Pivetta scattered two hits over five scoreless innings in a win over the Nationals on Monday.

Sharp following lengthy absence

Imparting fierce topspin and backspin on Monday, the 33-year-old right-hander shut out a high-powered Washington Nationals offense for five innings to set up a 3-2 victory that kept the Padres half a game out of the final playoff spot with 18 games left.

Nick Pivetta (elbow) could be cleared to rejoin the Padres rotation during the upcoming week.

An upcoming bullpen session could determine if the Padres starter will be activated from the IL. Visit MLB Trade Rumors for more details.

Jackson Merrill had three hits and knocked in two runs Monday and Nick Pivetta sailed through five scoreless innings in his return to the Padres' rotation ​as San Diego edged the visiting Washington Nationals 3-2.

The San Diego Padres are close to a Nick Pivetta return, walked-it-off against the New York Yankees and are back in a wild-card spot.

The Padres will be getting some more pitching help, as Nick Pivetta will be returning to the rotation ahead of their next series.