Overview
- The Toronto Blue Jays claimed knuckleballer Matt Waldron off waivers from the San Diego Padres on Wednesday and added him to their 40-man roster.
- To create room for the claim, Toronto moved veteran starter Patrick Corbin to the 60-day injured list, a transaction that effectively removes him from the 2026 roster picture.
- Waldron’s 2026 season was limited by surgery to drain an infected hemorrhoid and a right brachialis muscle injury, and he posted a 7.16 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP in 32 2/3 innings across 10 appearances this year.
- The Blue Jays view the move as a low-cost gamble for pitching depth after the trade deadline rather than a sure rotation fix, with club officials hoping coaching and development can revive his form.
- Knuckleball pitchers are rare in modern baseball; Waldron has a 5.19 career ERA over four MLB seasons and could serve as a bullpen option or spot starter while the team monitors his health and consistency.