Padres Pitcher Competing for Rotation Spot Suffers Setback Due to Injury…
With Matt Waldron sidelined, who will step up as the Padres’ fifth starter?
The San Diego Padres’ search for their final rotation piece took an unexpected hit on Friday night when right-hander Matt Waldron sustained a mild left oblique strain while warming up in the bullpen. The injury, first reported by AJ Cassavell on X (formerly Twitter), puts Waldron’s availability for Opening Day in doubt.
“Matt Waldron, who was supposed to pitch tonight and began warming up in the bullpen, never took the mound,” Cassavell shared. “Instead, he was checked on by a team trainer before heading back to the complex alongside them. The Padres later announced that Waldron had suffered a mild left oblique strain and would be re-evaluated tomorrow.”
Padres manager Mike Shildt acknowledged that Waldron will need time to recover, which could jeopardize his Opening Day availability. “Oblique injuries take time,” Shildt explained. “We’ll reassess, but he’s going to need rest for a while—exactly how long remains to be seen.”
Who Will Claim the Padres’ Final Rotation Spot in Waldron’s Absence?
Waldron had been in contention for the fifth spot in the rotation alongside Kyle Hart, Stephen Kolek, and Randy Vásquez. While his last outing against the San Francisco Giants was shaky, the 27-year-old had shown promise this spring, especially by relying more on his signature knuckleball. Last season, he posted a 4.91 ERA over 26 starts, striking out 133 batters while issuing just 40 walks across 146.2 innings.
With Waldron unavailable, the competition for the final rotation spot intensifies. Vásquez made a strong case with five scoreless innings in a recent intrasquad game against Mariners minor leaguers, positioning himself as a top contender. Kolek and Hart remain in the mix as well, though Hart’s spring has been impacted by illness.
Hart, who excelled in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) last season with a 2.69 ERA and 182 strikeouts over 157 innings, was initially set to start Wednesday, but his flu recovery may push him toward a bullpen role early in the season. According to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres are intrigued by Hart’s potential but want to see more before making a decision. “Hart was back at camp Monday but is still recovering from the flu, making it unlikely he pitches in his scheduled slot on Wednesday,” Acee reported.
Kolek, on the other hand, struggled last season before an injury cut his year short, finishing with a 5.21 ERA in 46.2 innings. Vásquez, who started 20 games and logged a 4.87 ERA over 98 innings, remains a viable option should the Padres prefer a more experienced choice.
The Padres’ rotation remains one of the biggest uncertainties heading into the 2025 season, and Waldron’s injury only complicates matters. With Opening Day approaching, Shildt and his staff must make a decision soon. Whether they go with Vásquez, Kolek, or a recovering Hart remains to be seen, but Waldron’s setback has certainly reshaped the Padres’ pitching plans.
