NL West: Matt Waldron wins final rotation spot in San Diego

San Diego Padres

The recent acquisition of Dylan Cease left the Padres with a three-way battle for the final spot in the starting rotation. The Padres have named Matt Waldron, who made eight appearances (six starts) with the Padres last season, as their fifth starter. Waldron beat out fellow right-handers Jhony Brito and Randy Vásquez who were both acquired from the Yankees this off-season in the Juan Soto trade.

While Waldron doesn’t have the prospect pedigree of either Brito or Vasquez, he has had an excellent spring and was successful (4.39 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 10% K-BB% in 41 IP) as a starter in his first major league action last season. However, his 4.92 xERA, and low 17% K% and 8.4% SwK% suggest he may have difficulty repeating that...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

This week, we check in on young infielders with upside in S.F. and Arizona, are reintroduced to an old NL West friend in L.A.
Aug 29 2026 3:05am
Luke Adams, Cooper Hjerpe, Owen Ayers, and BJ Murray may be among the guys called up to make their MLB debut in the NL Central
Aug 28 2026 3:05am
Angel Genao has been getting plenty of playing time in Cleveland, often at the expense of Brayan Rocchio. Plus, the possible return of Drew Thorpe for CHW, the bullpen outlook in DET, Sal Perez's 2H rebound, and Joe Ryan's recovery in MIN.
Aug 27 2026 3:06am
The A's have been depleted by injuries, but are getting some needed outfield help soon.
Aug 26 2026 3:05am
Could George Springer's playing time continue to slip as his struggles continue? Plus, Blaze Alexander nearing a return for BAL, and rotation updates for TB, BOS, and NYY.
Aug 25 2026 3:05am

Tools