Padres' Matt Waldron faces setback after minor procedure; rotation depth clouds role

San Diego Padres right-hander Matt Waldron experienced a setback in camp Tuesday after the knuckleballer underwent a minor procedure to treat an infection in his "rear end," according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The injury update comes as the Padres continue preparations for spring training.

According to new Padres manager Craig Stammen, Waldron is considered “week to week.” 

Waldron, 29, spent the 2025 season with the team's Triple-A affiliate in El Paso, where he went 7-4 with a 6.67 ERA in 18 starts. He was 0-1 in limited play with the Padres last season, but Waldron had some success in 2024 with San Diego, posting a 7-11 record with a 4.91 ERA in 27 games. He set career highs that season in strikeouts (133) and innings (146.2). 

Right-hander Steven Wright of the Boston Red Sox was the last major leaguer to consistently feature the knuckleball (2013–19); 2012 Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey enjoyed success with the pitch during the 2010s.

The Padres have depth in the starting rotation, so Matt Waldron may not have a spot once he recovers 

Waldron is the only primary knuckleball pitcher in Major League Baseball, having a usage rate of 74% with the pitch, per Baseball Savant, and averaging 79.4 MPH (relatively fast for a knuckleballer). Waldron also throws a four-seam fastball (15%, 90.1 MPH), a sinker (8%, 89.8 MPH) and a sweeper (3%, 81 MPH). 

Waldron's absence probably won’t affect the rotation, as right-handers Michael King, Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove occupy the 1-3 spots, and a battle for the fourth and fifth spots are up for grabs. 

Right-hander German Marquez — who signed a one-year, $1.75M free-agent deal with the Padres — and left-hander JP Sears will fight for those spots. Right-hander Griffin Canning is also in the mix for the rotation. 

With plenty of rotation depth, San Diego might not have a spot for Waldron as a starter. He may have a swingman role, though that’s abnormal for knuckleballers. 

Out of minor league options, Waldron could be designated for assignment. Or perhaps another MLB team will give him a chance.