The difference between one year can be revelating for some, but devastating for others. Going into the 2025 season last year, there was a lot of positivity surrounding Padres knuckle-baller Matt Waldron.
He was coming off somewhat of a breakout season, logging 26 starts in 2024 with a solid weak contact rate and walk rate. Waldron was vying for a spot in the bottom of the starting rotation, which was essentially his for the taking.
But then, just ahead of Opening Day, Waldron was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain, which was the start of a tumultuous 2025 season for him.