Padres Pitcher Matt Waldron Out Indefinitely After 'Infection in His Rear End'

Waldron required surgery to treat a hemorrhoid issue, and the team expects him to be out week-to-week as he recovers.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 10:54pm

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San Diego Padres pitcher Matt Waldron could begin the 2026 season on the injured list after manager Craig Stammen revealed the 29-year-old knuckleballer recently sustained an 'infection in his rear end' that required a procedure to drain and treat. Stammen said Waldron had been showing promising signs in spring training, but the team will now have to wait and see how his recovery process goes before determining when he can return to the mound.

Why it matters

Waldron has been a regular contributor to the Padres' pitching staff over the past three seasons, making 36 appearances. His absence could create a hole in the team's rotation or bullpen, depending on how long he is sidelined, and force the Padres to rely more heavily on other pitchers to start the season.

The details

According to Stammen, Waldron required surgery this week to treat what was later clarified to be a hemorrhoid issue. The Padres manager said Waldron had been in the hospital for a couple of days but is expected to be discharged soon. However, Stammen added that Waldron will be 'out kind of week-to-week' as the incision from the procedure heals and he regains his ability to move around comfortably.

  • Waldron required the procedure earlier this week.

The players

Matt Waldron

A 29-year-old pitcher who has made 36 appearances for the San Diego Padres over the past three seasons.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres.

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What they’re saying

“(Waldron) had to have surgery to drain it and make it better. So he's been in the hospital the last couple days.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager (nypost.com)

“But he'll be out kind of week-to-week depending on how that incision heals and how he's feeling moving around.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager (nypost.com)

“We'll take care of him the best we can, set him up here for the end of spring training, get him going, and then we'll see where that takes us as the season goes and where his rehab process goes.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Padres will monitor Waldron's recovery process and determine when he can return to the mound, with the team expecting him to be out week-to-week as the incision from his procedure heals.

The takeaway

This injury highlights the unpredictable nature of baseball and the challenges teams face in keeping their pitchers healthy throughout the long season. The Padres will have to find a way to fill Waldron's role in the rotation or bullpen until he is able to return, testing the depth of their pitching staff.