Matt Waldron’s Season Start in Jeopardy Due to Surgery

San Diego Padres pitcher Matt Waldron may begin the upcoming season on the disabled list. Manager Craig Stammen recently revealed that the 29-year-old knuckleballer is facing complications from a “bottom infection.”

It turns out Waldron required surgery earlier this week to address a hemorrhoid issue.

“Waldron needed to have surgery to drain fluid and improve his situation,” Stammen explained. “That’s why he’s been hospitalized for the past few days.”

Fortunately, Stammen indicated that Waldron is expected to be discharged soon.

However, he mentioned, “Depending on how well the wound heals and his mobility, he might be out week to week.”

Waldron, drafted in the 18th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, has pitched for the Padres for three seasons, making 36 appearances in total. His last start for San Diego was in June against the Phillies, where he pitched 4.2 innings, giving up four earned runs.

Stammen noted that Waldron had shown promising signs during spring training this month but expressed disappointment over his injury. “We need to support him as best we can,” he said. “Let’s focus on getting him ready by the end of spring training and then assess where we are as the season moves forward and how his rehabilitation progresses.”