The Padres won’t have Matt Waldron available when the season starts after the 28-year-old righty suffered on oblique strain on Friday.
Matt Waldron suffered what the Padres termed a “mild” left oblique strain while warming up in the bullpen. He will be evaluated Saturday.
Could put a wrench in the battle for fifth spot in rotation.— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) March 15, 2025
While he’s officially day-to-day, manager Mike Shildt said the knuckleballer will “need some rest for some period of time, which will be determined.”
Waldron had struggled in early Spring Training, but was expected to still battle for the final spot in the San Diego rotation or possibly move to the bullpen. Since the knuckleball can be so unpredictable, it’s hard to say when Waldron will return or what his role will be when healthy.
Fantasy baseball impact
Given the roster at this point, the Padres look ready to roll with Dylan Cease, Michael King, Yu Darvish and Nick Pivetta as the top four in their rotation with Stephen Kolek, Randy Vasquez, and Kyle Hart possible options for the fifth starter role.
Vasquez and Waldron came into camp with the inside track for the final spot but both have faltered, so it looks like Hart or converted-reliever Kolek could end up starting the season in San Diego’s final rotation spot.
