Matt Waldron
Breakdown
Performance
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May 13, 2026
Roughed up in bulk relief
Waldron (1-2) took the loss against Milwaukee on Tuesday, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three batters over 2.2 innings.
Analysis
Bradgley Rodriguez opened the game for San Diego and tossed a scoreless inning. Waldron entered in the second frame and did fine intially, but he gave up a run in the third. Things got much worse for the knuckleballer in the fourth, as the Brewers tagged him for five runs on eight hits and a walk before he exited with two outs. Waldron's season ERA ballooned to 9.28 as a result of the poor outing. He may not remain in the team's rotation plans for long -- either as a starter or in bulk relief -- with Lucas Giolito closing in on his team debut.
May 12, 2026
Following opener again
Waldron is slated to serve as the Padres' primary pitcher in Tuesday's game versus the Brewers, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Analysis
Waldron struck out seven over five innings of one-run ball against the Giants on Wednesday after following opener Bradgley Rodriguez. The Padres will follow that same formula again in Tuesday's series opener. Waldron is not guaranteed any more starts beyond Tuesday's, as Lucas Giolito is expected to be ready to join the rotation soon after knocking off some rust in the minors.
May 7, 2026
Excels behind opener
Waldron (1-1) earned the win Wednesday over San Francisco, allowing a run on two hits and no walks over five innings. He struck out seven.
Analysis
After struggling to a 9.88 ERA over his first three starts this year, the Padres elected to use an opener ahead of Waldron on Wednesday. The move paid immediate dividends, as Waldron was nearly untouchable in the San Diego victory -- the Giants' lone run came on a Rafael Devers solo homer in the fifth. Despite Wednesday's performance, it remains to be seen what Waldron's role will be going forward, as Lucas Giolito is expected to join the rotation soon.
