Padres News: Matt Waldron Sets Unwanted Record Before Being Sent Down

Matt Waldron's rookie season took a turn this week as the San Diego Padres optioned him to Triple-A El Paso after a rough outing.

Waldron, who started the season as the Padres' fifth starter, struggled recently, culminating in a game where he allowed 10 runs on 12 hits in just 4.1 innings against the Minnesota Twins.

This performance tied him for the most runs allowed by a pitcher at Petco Park in a single game.

At 27, Waldron is still finding his footing as a rookie, particularly as a knuckleball pitcher, which often requires more time to develop.

“I want to get back to that,” Waldron said . “I think the tough thing about this game -- and maybe life, even -- is just when things are negative, it's hard to snap out.”

Despite a solid stretch earlier in the season with a 3.05 ERA over 16 starts, he has faced challenges lately, including fatigue and loss of command.

“Just too much middle, with not as much late movement,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said.

The Padres' decision to send him down may serve two purposes: giving him a break and allowing him to regain his pitching rhythm. In his last game, he threw his knuckleball just 23% of the time, the lowest rate of the season.

Waldron has had a mixed year, posting a 1.61 ERA in 13 starts but struggling with an 8.67 ERA in the other 13.

“I believe I belong on this field,” Waldron said . “Obviously, that doesn't show right now, especially on a day like this. Physically, I think I'm capable of getting there. ... I got to go to the drawing board. It's going to take some serious work.”

Waldron has surrendered 22 runs over his past three starts and was quick to downplay arm fatigue.

“We never feel perfect,” Waldron said . “Feeling good is maybe overrated. But I think mentally, just knowing that in the past, I'd never thrown this much, [I’m] getting used to this workload as a whole.

“I'm not done yet. Not even close. The fun stuff hasn't even started yet. I just need to get over that hump.”

The Padres are currently in a tight race for a National League Wild Card spot, trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by 4.5 games, making every game crucial as they prepare for a series against the New York Mets.

Waldron is focused on improving and believes he can contribute to the team moving forward.

“I wish I absolutely did more than that,” Waldron said . “We have a big opportunity coming up against the Mets. [I was] just not reliable. … I wish I was better.”