Matt Waldron

Matt Waldron will likely miss the start of the season after suffering a mild left oblique strain while warming up in the bullpen on Friday to pitch in a spring training game against the Texas Rangers.

Fantasy Impact

Matt Waldron, originally scheduled for multiple innings Friday, retreated to the team's complex instead. There is no clear timetable for his return as of now but he's likely to miss the start of the season, as oblique injuries require extended recovery. Waldron was competing for the Padres' No. 5 starter role against Kyle Hart, Stephen Kolek and Randy Vasquez, meaning one of those three will now fill that spot.

Matt Waldron dealt three shutout innings against the Athletics in Cactus League action Thursday, giving up one hit and one walk while fanning two.

Fantasy Impact

Waldron’s knuckleball was dancing in his second spring start, limiting the A’s to just three baserunners—two erased by double plays—building on a strong five-inning run that’s seen only one run allowed so far. He’s in the hunt for San Diego’s fifth rotation slot, squaring off against Kyle Hart, Stephen Kolek, Randy Vasquez, and Jhony Brito. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep an eye on this—Waldron’s making a case for Opening Day innings if he keeps this up.

Matt Waldron went heavy on knuckleballs in his spring training debut.

Fantasy Impact

Waldron had said this offseason he plans to throw more knuckleballs this season. He did just that in his spring debut, throwing 20 of his 32 pitches as knuckleballs.

Matt Waldron said he plans to throw a higher percentage of knuckleballs this year.

Fantasy Impact

Waldron threw knuckleballs at roughly a 40 percent clip last season. "Some of my best games last year ... I just really relied on [the knuckleball]," Waldron said. "I felt like it kept them off-balance. I think the intent on it might’ve wavered." He showed flashes throughout last year as a dominant pitcher, but he'll be looking to put it together in a more consistent fashion this season.

The Padres optioned Matt Waldron to Triple-A El Paso.

Fantasy Impact

Waldron has struggled mightily over his past few starts. It is unclear when he'll be back in the majors again, but he'll look to regain his confidence in Triple-A.