Blue Jays’ Knuckleballer Waldron Sidelined by Chest Injury Following Nationals Debut

DETROIT, MI – JULY 16: A detailed view of a Toronto Blue Jays baseball hat and glove sitting on the dugout steps during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Blue Jays 6-5. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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The Toronto Blue Jays have spent much of the season searching for reliable pitching depth, forcing the organization to take chances on veteran arms capable of providing innings when needed.

Among those acquisitions were veteran hurlers Patrick Corbin and Simeon Woods-Richardson, along with Matt Waldron, whose rare knuckleball repertoire made him an especially intriguing but short-lived gamble.

That experiment did not unfold as Toronto had hoped.

Waldron was claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres in early August, but struggled mightily, posting a 10.38 ERA and recording just three strikeouts over 4.1 innings across four appearances, according to Sportsnet.

After being designated for assignment by Toronto, Waldron joined the Washington Nationals, but his tenure there was soon interrupted by a frightening injury.

Nationals Place Waldron on Injured List Following Chest Injury

The Nationals placed Waldron on the 15-day injured list this week, retroactive to last week, after he suffered chest inflammation during a comebacker while pitching.

CBS Sports reported that Waldron has pitched 5.2 shutout innings since joining the Nationals in late August, but the team will be without him until at least September 20 as he manages the injury.

Waldron had made just one start for the Nationals after his difficult stint in Toronto and had shown immediate promise before the injury setback.

Castoff’s Unique Career Path Interrupted by Injury

Waldron’s journey to Washington followed an eventful season in San Diego.

He dealt with an extended absence early in the year before returning to the Padres, but struggled across 10 appearances, including three starts, before San Diego designated him for assignment in late July.

The Blue Jays gave him another opportunity, but his short stay in Toronto produced little improvement. Despite those struggles, Waldron possesses something few Major League pitchers can offer.

At the time of the acquisition, Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors noted that the Jays were adding the only active knuckleballer in the sport, with nearly 29% of his pitches this season and 36% of his career majors pitches being knucklers.

His unusual arsenal provides a potential path to remaining useful as a starter, bulk reliever, or depth option when healthy. For now, the Nationals will have to wait to see what he can offer later in the season.

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