Padres Pitcher's Shocking Benching for Medical Procedure: The Mysterious Case of Matt Waldron

San Diego Padres pitcher Matt Waldron was unexpectedly benched by the team in February 2026 to undergo hemorrhoid surgery. Waldron, known for his knuckleball pitching style, started his baseball journey in Omaha, Nebraska, and excelled during his time with the University of Nebraska's Cornhuskers team. He turned pro in 2019, initially drafted by the Cleveland Indians before being traded to the Padres in a multi-player deal.

Waldron was vying for a spot in the Padres' pitching rotation for the 2026 MLB season before being sidelined due to health issues. This setback marked the second consecutive year that Waldron faced challenges during spring training.

Background and Career

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Waldron was not initially drafted when he decided to go pro in 2015. He later found success after being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2019 and subsequently traded to the Padres. Waldron made his MLB debut in 2023 and is recognized for being one of the few remaining knuckleball pitchers in the league.

Waldron sees the knuckleball pitch as a unique weapon in his arsenal, despite its challenges. He acknowledges the risks involved in using this pitching style but continues to refine his technique to keep batters off balance.

Injury and Recovery

In 2025, Waldron suffered an injury during spring training, and in 2026, he underwent hemorrhoid surgery, causing him to be sidelined for a period. Padres' manager Craig Stammen confirmed Waldron's surgery and mentioned that his recovery timeline would depend on how well he heals and progresses.

As of February 26, 2026, Waldron had been discharged from the hospital and was back in training camp. His return to the pitching mound is contingent on his healing process and overall well-being.