Waldron returns after a productive rehab stint, throwing 12 scoreless innings over three outings while striking out 12 and walking one. He has a career 4.86 ERA in 192 2/3 MLB innings, and last year he started just once, making it a priority to build back into a stable role as he re-enters the rotation.
Alek Jacob was elevated to the active roster before the series against Seattle, where he worked two innings in the dramatic 7-6 comeback win and earned the win without allowing a run. He will be sent back to the Chihuahuas as Waldron steps into his spot, a move also prompted by Nick Pivetta landing on the 15-day injured list.
Padres coachings and observers note Waldron’s first start of the season will come against a strong Angels lineup led by José Soriano. In four starts this season, Soriano owns a 0.33 ERA with a 4-0 record across 27 innings, leading several major metrics including WAR, ERA, ERA+, WHIP, and hits allowed per nine innings. He held the Padres to seven scoreless innings in his meeting with San Diego last season, with Manny Machado the only Padres batter to homer off him.
San Diego has used the current stretch to bolster its rotation and bullpen depth, even as injuries loom over the broader campaign. The Padres’ ability to manage roster moves and leverage Waldron’s return will be watched closely as they aim to sustain their momentum in a competitive division race.
Looking ahead, Waldron’s season debut against Soriano will be a key early test for San Diego’s rotation, with the club hoping to maintain its recent success while integrating a refreshed arms group. Updates on how Waldron settles into the rotation and how the Padres fare in the Angels series will continue to shape early-season narratives.
