Padres Pitcher Waldron's Uneven Season Continues with Loss

Baseball

Another uneven performance from San Diego Padres starting pitcher Matt Waldron highlighted the team’s 5-2 loss against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night. The right-hander’s inconsistent season continued as he battled control issues and an inability to limit hard contact over six innings of work.

Waldron struggled from the outset, allowing six hits and four earned runs while striking out four batters. His mistakes were costly, as the Reds capitalized on opportunities and built an early lead that the Padres’ offense could not overcome.

“It was just one of those nights where I didn’t have my best stuff,” Waldron said after the game. “I made too many mistakes over the plate, and they didn’t miss them. I’ve got to be better at hitting my spots and getting ahead in the count.”

The 27-year-old has shown flashes of potential this year, but performances like Monday’s have prevented him from truly establishing himself as a reliable starter. His 4.35 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through eight starts illustrate the ups and downs he has experienced.

For the Padres, Waldron’s outings have been a microcosm of their middling 18-19 record to open the campaign. With high expectations after an aggressive offseason, the team has struggled to find consistency, especially from its starting rotation.

“Matt has great stuff, but he’s still learning how to harness it and maintain it over six, seven innings every time out,” said Padres manager Jayce Tingler. “The flashes are there, but we need that consistency from him and the rest of our starters if we want to be playing late into October.”

Waldron will look to regain his form in his next scheduled start on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend. A strong outing against one of MLB’s best teams could provide a much-needed boost of confidence.

For now, Waldron’s season remains a series of ups and downs, with Monday’s subpar performance against the Reds representing another valley. The Padres are counting on him to level out and become a steadying presence in their rotation as they try to secure a postseason berth.