Waldron out, Giolito in

The second-longest tenured pitcher in the Padres organization is out in San Diego.

After a woeful start to the 2026 season, the Padres have designated right-hander Matt Waldron for assignment.

The knuckleballer, who originally came over to the Friars in a 2020 trade, was out of minor league options. In five starts thus far in 2026, Waldron posted an ERA of 9.28 and had consistently struggled to exert command over his repertoire.

This move was largely expected to come after the Friars signed 31-year-old free agent starter Lucas Giolito to a one-year deal on April 22, 2026.

While Giolito will be brought up to the Padres roster later this week, they have initially brought back RP Alek Jacob to provide some extra bullpen relief after Griffin Canning could not escape the second inning of his last start.

In Giolito, Padre fans have an experienced arm to look forward to.

The right-handed Giolito brings valuable experience and high strikeout ability to a Padres rotation that has been searching for stability. Signed to just a one-year/three million dollar deal, he represents a low-risk, high-upside addition as San Diego looks to solidify their starting five.

Despite remaining atop the NL West, San Diego’s rotation ranks 15th leaguewide in ERA.

Giolito, a former headline trade deadline acquisition for Anaheim in 2023, posted a 3.41 ERA last season for the Red Sox in 26 starts. The Padres will be hopeful that Giolito can reignite this flame and pick up where he left off in Boston, bringing his nasty slider and four-seam fastball to Petco Park this summer.

Billy Seidlitz

Billy has spent a majority of his life following San Diego sports and worked in San Diego for many years. Now residing in Newport Beach he recently obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Chapman University and now works as an Associate Personal Injury Attorney. Billy enjoys supporting the Padres and SDFC from Orange County and making the drive down for big games. He is passionate about analytics and writing about sports.