Matt Waldron Designated For Assignment By Padres As Jeremiah Estrada Returns

The writing has been on the wall for Matt Waldron. An injury delayed a decision earlier in the season. There was no avoiding it now.

Waldron, one of the few MLB pitchers who still throws a knuckleball, was designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres on Wednesday as right-handed reliever Jeremiah Estrada was activated from the 15-day injured list. Estrada had been on the IL since June 5 with inflammation in his right knee.

Waldron, who is out of minor-league options, was on the verge of being DFA'd when he revealed he had been hurting and hiding an injury, which ended up being a right brachialis muscle injury that put him on the 15-day IL on May 15 after six appearances and an 8.49 ERA. He came back July 11 and has made four solid relief appearances, but was the obvious off man out with Estrada coming back. Waldron has a 5.10 FIP (7.16 ERA) with a 5.4% walk rate and 19% strikeout rate in 10 games and 32⅔ innings.

It is possible Waldron remains with the Padres if he clears waivers.

Estrada is a valuable member of the Padres' bullpen, posting a 3.60 FIP (3.48 ERA) with a 12.2% walk rate and 28% strikeout rate.