San Diego Padres pitcher Matt Waldron recently had surgery to address what was initially described as an “infection in his rear end,” which was later clarified as hemorrhoids. The procedure required him to stay in the hospital for a few days, and he has since been placed on the injured list.
Padres manager Craig Stammen told reporters,
“He’ll be out kind of week-to-week depending on how that incision heals and how he’s feeling moving around.”
Stammen added,
“[Waldron] had to have surgery to drain it and make it better. So he’s been in the hospital the last couple days.”
Waldron’s Recent Performance and Injury History
The 29-year-old knuckleballer struggled with injuries during last season, including an oblique problem in spring training that limited him to only one start in June before he spent the remainder of the year in Triple-A. In 2025, Waldron recorded a 4.91 earned-run average across 27 appearances, with 26 as a starter.
Manager Stammen said the team aims to support Waldron’s recovery to prepare him for the end of spring training and beyond, explaining,
“We’ll take care of him the best we can, set him up here for the end of spring training, get him going, and then we’ll see where that takes us as the season goes and where his rehab process goes.”
Notable Athletes with Hemorrhoid-Related Issues
Waldron is not the first professional athlete to face time off due to hemorrhoids. Kansas City Royals legend George Brett experienced similar pain during Game 2 of the 1980 World Series, forcing him to leave the game. Brett underwent minor surgery and returned in Game 3, contributing two hits and one RBI to help the Royals defeat the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite the setback, Brett hit .375 during the series, which the Royals eventually lost.
Brett was famously quoted after the series, stating,
“My problems are all behind me.”
Similarly, Argentinian soccer player Leo Ponzio ruptured a hemorrhoid during a 2012 match but continued playing to finish the game for River Plate.
Implications for the Padres and Waldron’s Recovery
Matt Waldron’s surgery and subsequent recovery period adds to the Padres’ ongoing challenges with injuries. While the timeline remains uncertain, the team’s careful management of his rehab underscores their intent to have him ready for regular season action as soon as possible. His past setbacks make this recovery critical for both his career and the Padres’ pitching depth going forward.
Feels like “infection in his rear end” needs some clarity.
It was hemorrhoid surgery.— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) February 24, 2026
