PEORIA, Ariz. — On Friday, San Diego Padres pitcher Matt Waldron faced an unfortunate setback during spring training after experiencing a mild oblique strain while warming up for the game. This incident occurred just before Waldron was set to take the mound against the Texas Rangers, leading to concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season.
The Padres’ management, including manager Mike Shildt, acknowledged the potential delay in Waldron’s return. Oblique injuries can be tricky, and Shildt indicated that Waldron would require an amount of rest that is yet to be determined but may extend into the start of the regular season. The team plans to reevaluate his condition in the upcoming days to assess his recovery timeline.
Matt Waldron, at 28 years old, is aiming to secure the fifth spot in the team’s starting rotation. Last season, he appeared in 27 games, predominantly as a starter, earning a 7-11 record with a 4.91 ERA. Waldron’s journey to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the Cleveland organization in the 18th round of the 2019 draft after a collegiate career at the University of Nebraska.
This setback is unwelcome news for Waldron and the Padres, who are gearing up for the new season with high hopes. As the coaching staff assesses the situation, the priority will be ensuring Waldron’s health and readiness before he rejoins the roster to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming games.
