The San Diego Padres have kicked off their Cactus League action with two games under their belt, giving fans plenty to chew on as Opening Day looms in late March. With Spring Training in full swing, certain players are under the microscope, and few have as much at stake as Matt Waldron.
The Knuckleball's Lone Ranger
Matt Waldron stands alone in MLB as the last active pitcher wielding the knuckleball, a pitch that’s as unpredictable as it is captivating. Since the retirements of R.A.
Dickey in 2017 and Tim Wakefield in 2011, the knuckleball has nearly vanished from the majors. Its erratic nature makes it a nightmare for catchers and umpires alike, often leading to missed calls and passed balls.
Back in 2024, Kyle Higashioka showed some prowess in catching Waldron’s elusive pitch, but not everyone has been so successful. In a 2025 outing against the Phillies, Martín Maldonado struggled behind the plate, with a passed ball and three wild pitches contributing to a run for Philadelphia.
Waldron leaned heavily on his knuckleball, using it 74.0% of the time in that game, a significant jump from his 38.2% average in 2024. The risk with the knuckleball is high-if not executed perfectly, it’s a gift for hitters. Even when thrown well, umpires often struggle to call it accurately, adding another layer of difficulty for Waldron.
Finding His Rhythm
Waldron’s journey has largely unfolded in the minors, with stints in the majors from 2023 to 2025. His most substantial major league experience came in 2024, making 26 starts and playing a key role in the Padres' postseason run. He posted a 4.91 ERA over 146 2/3 innings, but his biggest hurdle has been settling into games.
Interestingly, Waldron’s ERA in the first inning was a concerning 7.88, while he seemed to find his groove in later innings. This early-game struggle has been a thorn in his side, contributing to a 6.48 ERA during his 2025 minor league season. If Waldron can overcome these early jitters, his knuckleball could make him a formidable force.
Saturday's Performance
In the Padres' 10-3 win over the Royals, Waldron showcased a more varied pitch mix, using his knuckleball just 33.0% of the time, down from his career average of 46.3%. Over two innings, he allowed only one walk and a single, demonstrating control and poise.
Facing Kansas City's major league lineup, Waldron induced groundouts from Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr., walked Vinnie Pasquantino, and struck out Salvador Perez. In the second inning, he allowed a single to Dairon Blanco but promptly caught him stealing before striking out John Rave to wrap up his outing.
This promising start could be a stepping stone for Waldron, potentially securing him a spot at the back end of the Padres’ rotation. With time running out, Waldron needs to capitalize on these opportunities to solidify his place in the majors.
Whether he finds a niche as a swingman or a reliable middle-inning option, Waldron's window to prove himself is narrowing. While it's unlikely another team would claim him off waivers, the Padres could risk losing him if he doesn’t make his mark soon.