For a period, Matt Waldron served as a vital support for the Padres’ rotation.
“He has been truly remarkable,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt. “He provided a significant boost when Joe (Musgrove) and Yu (Darvish) were sidelined. He really elevated his game and delivered a lot of quality innings. He helped us secure several victories and gave us opportunities to win.”
However, Waldron’s inaugural full season as a major league starter has encountered significant challenges.
On Wednesday, he set a record for the most earned runs allowed by any Padres pitcher in a home game, as the Twins concluded their three-game series against the Padres with a dominating 11-4 win on a typically pleasant San Diego afternoon at Petco Park.
“That was just not a good outing,” Waldron remarked. “I’m feeling no positivity right now.”
With this setback, coupled with the Diamondbacks sweeping the Marlins, the Padres now find themselves tied for the top wild-card spot in the National League.
More troubling is the escalating issue with their starting rotation, which had been quite robust for a significant portion of the season, especially with just 34 games left to play.
“I want to return to that form,” Waldron stated. “The tough aspect of this game – and perhaps life as well – is that when negativity arises, it becomes challenging to shake it off and remember what was or what it can be. Forgetting mistakes has proven to be a struggle.”
The Twins’ seven-run fourth inning marked the most damaging by any Padres pitcher this season, while the 10 runs charged to Waldron were the highest for a Padres pitcher since Clayton Richard also allowed 11 runs (10 earned) at Colorado on July 19, 2017.
The only other pitcher to allow 10 earned runs at Petco Park was Joe Ryan of the Twins during their previous visit in 2022.
Such occurrences are part of the game.
What is concerning for the Padres is Waldron’s ongoing struggle to secure outs while permitting an excessive number of runs.
Wednesday represented the fourth time in five starts that the knuckleballer gave up at least five runs.
The 27-year-old right-hander currently owns a 10.50 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over these five starts, where he has pitched a total of 24 innings.
This performance contrasts sharply with a previous 14-start stretch in which he recorded a 2.76 ERA and 0.99 WHIP, ranking 13th and 19th respectively among qualifying major league starters during that timeframe.
From May 7 to June 24, Waldron recorded a 1.95 ERA, and the Padres won six of the nine games he started. In contrast, the Padres were 17-19 in their other games during that period, with the remaining rotation members achieving a 4.57 ERA.
It was six starts ago that Waldron surpassed the 113⅓ innings he pitched in the minor leagues during 2022. Now, at 142⅔ innings this season, he is merely 3⅓ innings shy of the total he pitched between the University of Nebraska and the two lower levels of the minor leagues in 2019.
This is undoubtedly a higher level with differing expectations.
Wednesday marked his 26th start of the season and his 32nd overall in the major leagues.
Indicators suggesting that Waldron might be struggling under the increased workload are mixed. His arm slot has decreased, and he has admitted to experiencing some mental fatigue and minor discomfort in his elbow, which he assured was “nothing serious.” However, his pitch velocity and spin remain consistent with his previous performances.
“Mentally, it’s just something I have to adapt to… I’ve never pitched this many innings, so I’m adjusting to this overall workload,” he explained. “I’m not finished yet. I haven’t even begun to enjoy the best parts of the game. I just need to push through this hurdle.”
In addition to learning how to handle repeated starts at the highest level, Waldron is figuring out how to effectively utilize his distinctive primary pitch, the knuckleball.
“I firmly believe I belong on this field, although that is not evident right now, especially following a day like this,” he shared. “Physically, I know I am capable of reaching that level. I realize my performance needs to sharpen, and I might need to rely more on the knuckleball. I need to take a step back and reevaluate; this will require considerable effort.”
On Wednesday, the Padres also faced a pitcher in his first full big-league season, Simeon Woods Richardson, a 23-year-old right-hander whom no Padres hitter had faced in the majors before.
The Padres could only muster one run during Woods Richardson’s five innings, which came from Donovan Solano’s pinch-hit home run in the fifth. They managed to score three more runs in the eighth against Ronny Henriquez, including two from a home run by Jackson Merrill, before the Twins added a run in the ninth off Jeremiah Estrada.
The score stood at 1-0 after three innings and escalated to 8-0 after four frames. Waldron exited in the fifth with one out remaining, having permitted another run and a man on base. That runner later scored off rookie Sean Reynolds, who proceeded to pitch a career-high 2⅔ innings without conceding any runs.
“Sean picked me up,” Waldron expressed. “I’m grateful he did that, as that’s what a good team does—they support one another. I just wish I could have performed better.”
Originally Published: August 21, 2024 at 6:37 p.m.
Matt Waldron Faces Setback as Padres’ Rotation Struggles Against Twins
Introduction to Matt Waldron and His Role in the Padres’ Rotation
Matt Waldron made headlines this season as he joined the San Diego Padres’ pitching rotation, bringing fresh enthusiasm and potential to the mound. Known for his impressive minor league record, Waldron’s rise to the big leagues was highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. However, recent games against the Minnesota Twins have unveiled challenges that the Padres’ rotation is grappling with, impacting the team’s overall performance and Waldron’s individual progress.
Recent Performance of the Padres’ Rotation
The Padres have faced significant struggles in their starting rotation, especially in their series against the Minnesota Twins. The rotation has been under intense scrutiny as they have battled through injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of depth. Here are some key statistics that highlight the Padres’ recent pitching woes:
| Pitcher | Innings Pitched | Earned Run Average (ERA) | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Waldron | 4.2 | 6.23 | 3 |
| Yu Darvish | 5.0 | 5.12 | 4 |
| Blake Snell | 5.1 | 4.67 | 7 |
As seen in the table, Matt Waldron’s performance has been a significant factor contributing to the Padres’ overall struggles. With a high ERA and limited innings pitched, he has demonstrated the difficulties young pitchers often face when transitioning to the big leagues.
Analysis of the Game Against the Twins
During the Padres’ recent matchup against the Twins, Matt Waldron took the mound, but the outcome was far from what the team had hoped for. The Twins displayed a powerful offense, effectively exploiting weaknesses in Waldron’s pitching.
Key Moments in the Game
– **First Inning Troubles**: Waldron struggled to find his rhythm early, allowing several hits that led to early runs for the Twins.
– **Struggles with Command**: Waldron exhibited difficulty with his command, leading to walks that put additional pressure on the defense.
– **Late Game Collapse**: The Twins capitalized on Waldron’s fatigue in the later innings, scoring multiple runs to widen their lead.
Statistical Breakdown
The following statistics from the game paint a clearer picture of Waldron’s performance:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Runs Allowed | 4 |
| Walks | 2 |
| Home Runs Allowed | 1 |
These statistics underscore the challenges Waldron faced, showcasing the uphill battle he has against major league hitters.
The Impact of Waldron’s Setback on the Padres
Waldron’s struggles have broader implications for the Padres’ rotation and overall team dynamics. Here’s how his performance impacts the team:
- **Increased Pressure on Other Pitchers**: With Waldron’s inconsistency, the burden has shifted to other pitchers like Yu Darvish and Blake Snell to carry the load. This can lead to fatigue and potential injuries down the line.
– **Struggling Confidence**: As a young pitcher, Waldron’s struggles may affect his confidence, which is crucial for a successful career in the majors.
– **Management Decisions**: The Padres may need to reconsider their approach to the rotation, potentially seeking trades or free agent acquisitions to bolster their pitching lineup.
What’s Next for Matt Waldron?
Facing setbacks is a common experience for any athlete, particularly for young players like Matt Waldron. Here are some steps he can take to improve his performance:
Benefits of Adjusting Pitching Mechanics
– **Work with Coaches**: Collaborating closely with pitching coaches can help Waldron identify areas for improvement.
– **Video Analysis**: Utilizing video analysis tools can provide insights into his pitching mechanics and allow him to make necessary adjustments.
– **Simulated Game Scenarios**: Engaging in simulated games can help Waldron regain his confidence and refine his command without the pressure of a live game.
Learning from Experienced Teammates
Waldron can also benefit greatly from the experience of veteran players in the Padres’ rotation:
- **Mentorship**: Seeking mentorship from seasoned pitchers can provide valuable insights into overcoming challenges.
– **Game Strategy Discussions**: Engaging in discussions about game strategies and approaches to facing batters can enhance Waldron’s understanding of the game.
Case Study: Other Pitchers Who Overcame Early Career Struggles
Many successful MLB pitchers have faced similar setbacks early in their careers and managed to turn their fortunes around. Here are a few notable case studies:
– **Zack Greinke**: Greinke struggled in his early career with command issues but sought help from coaches and eventually became a Cy Young Award winner.
– **Justin Verlander**: Verlander faced a rough start in his rookie season but worked tirelessly to refine his mechanics and became one of the top pitchers in the league.
- **David Price**: Price had inconsistencies early in his career but learned from his experiences and went on to win the Cy Young Award.
These examples illustrate that setbacks can be pivotal moments leading to future success when approached with the right mindset and resources.
Practical Tips for Young Pitchers Facing Setbacks
For aspiring pitchers or those currently navigating similar challenges, here are some practical tips:
– **Stay Focused on Fundamentals**: Concentrating on the fundamentals of pitching can help build a solid foundation.
– **Embrace Constructive Criticism**: Listening to feedback from coaches and peers can provide critical insights into improvement areas.
– **Set Small, Achievable Goals**: Focusing on small goals can help build confidence and reduce the overwhelming feeling of needing to perform perfectly.
– **Practice Mental Resilience**: Developing mental toughness through visualization and breathing techniques can help pitchers remain calm under pressure.
Conclusion
While Matt Waldron faces a challenging period in his young career, there is still ample opportunity for growth and development. The Padres’ rotation can improve collectively, and with the right adjustments and support, Waldron can overcome this setback and establish himself as a valuable asset for the team. Fans remain hopeful as they watch this journey unfold, eager to see the resurgence of a promising pitcher in the making.
