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 make the bold case for a Rockies starter—even in Denver—and we take a peek at two overlooked NL West first basemen who deserve more attention.
May 2 2026 3:05am
Pedro Ramírez is demonstrating real power at AAA Iowa, could there be a path to MLB playing time for one of the minor's hottest hitting infielders?
May 1 2026 3:05am
Three key Twins hitters have yet to deliver on the promise they offered as prospects, and time may be running out. Plus, a closer look at Shane Smith, Daniel Schneemann, and Jack Flaherty, and the KC bullpen.
Apr 30 2026 3:05am
The Rangers offense is sputtering and a change at 2B could help kick start their offense.
Apr 29 2026 3:06am
Could Griffin Jax be the answer to the Rays' rotation depth issues? Plus, Volpe nearing a return, upheaval in Boston, and more from around the AL East.
Apr 28 2026 3:05am

Tools