San Diego Padres pitcher Matt Waldron has certainly faced his share of challenges over the past few seasons, and the latest news adds another hurdle to his journey.
Waldron, known for his unique knuckleball, is currently sidelined following a procedure to address an infection. Padres manager Craig Stammen shared that Waldron underwent surgery for hemorrhoids, putting his spring training on hold.
This setback is a tough blow to Waldron's aspirations of securing a spot in the Padres' starting rotation. At 29, he was already considered a longshot to break into the five-man lineup, especially after spending most of last season in the minors. His sole MLB start last year, a 4-0 defeat to the Phillies, didn't exactly bolster confidence for a comeback in 2026.
Looking back, Waldron's 2024 season was a rollercoaster. He made 27 starts, ending with a 7-11 record and a 4.91 ERA. Despite the ups and downs, his knuckleball offered a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see more of this rare pitching style in action.
However, this year’s competition is fierce. The Padres bolstered their roster by signing seasoned pitchers like German Marquez, Walker Buehler, Marco Gonzales, and Triston McKenzie to minor league deals. Each has a track record of success at the major league level, making Waldron's path even more challenging.
For those rooting for Waldron and his knuckleball, this latest setback is indeed disappointing. But baseball is a game of comebacks, and while the road is tough, Waldron's story isn't over yet.