Just weeks before the start of the season, the San Diego Padres have been hit with an untimely setback. Right-hander Matt Waldron has suffered a mild oblique strain, casting doubt over his availability for Opening Day. While the team remains hopeful for a quick recovery, oblique injuries are notoriously tricky, and Waldron’s status now looms as a major question mark heading into the season.
Waldron, who was expected to play a key role in the Padres’ rotation, sustained the injury during a recent workout, sending shockwaves through the clubhouse. Oblique strains can sideline pitchers for weeks, sometimes longer if aggravated. With the Padres already navigating rotation uncertainties, losing Waldron—even temporarily—could throw their early-season plans into chaos.
San Diego had high expectations for Waldron, who impressed with his unique knuckleball last season. The young right-hander was on track to solidify his role as a regular starter, but this injury threatens to disrupt his momentum. With the competition in the NL West as fierce as ever, losing a key arm for any stretch of time is a major concern.
Padres manager Mike Shildt acknowledged the setback but remained optimistic. “We’re taking things day by day, but we want to be cautious,” Shildt said. “We need Matt healthy for the long run, so we won’t rush anything.” That cautious approach suggests that even if Waldron avoids the injured list, his return might not be immediate.
If Waldron does miss time, the Padres will need to adjust their rotation plans. The team could look to internal options, such as Pedro Avila or Jay Groome, but neither offers the same level of upside that Waldron brings. Alternatively, the Padres could explore free-agent depth, but viable options are dwindling as Opening Day approaches.
For Waldron, the timing of the injury is particularly frustrating. After working tirelessly in the offseason to refine his mechanics and improve his control, he was primed for a breakout year. Now, instead of preparing for his first full season in the rotation, he faces an uncertain recovery timeline.
The Padres can’t afford many setbacks if they hope to compete in a loaded division. With the Dodgers and Diamondbacks strengthening their rosters, every early-season game matters. A slow start caused by rotation instability could put San Diego in a difficult hole to climb out of.
As the team monitors Waldron’s progress, one looming question remains: Will he be ready when the season begins, or is this just the beginning of a lingering issue? For now, the Padres are holding their breath, hoping their promising right-hander can make a swift and full recovery.
One thing is certain—this is not the way San Diego wanted to start the season. Now, all eyes will be on Waldron’s recovery, as the Padres wait to see if they’ll have one of their most intriguing arms available when the games start to count.