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

With the trade deadline behind us, the Angels have a new catching option in Moisés Ballesteros.
Aug 5 2026 3:05am
Has Kristian Campbell's resurgent July put him on the radar for a return to the majors? Plus, SP depth in TB, BAL catching woes, and more.
Aug 4 2026 3:05am
We take a look at the closer situation in Arizona and potential prospect call-ups in Colorado and San Francisco, among other veterans throughout the NL West.
Aug 1 2026 3:06am
Alex Lange's days as the KC closer might be numbered. Plus, a look at the catching situation in CHW, Logan Allen improving in CLE, two hot young hitters in DET, and possible bullpen changes in MIN.
Jul 30 2026 3:05am

Tools