San Diego Padres pitcher Matt Waldron is currently in recovery following a surgical procedure to address a medical condition that was initially reported as an 'infection in his rear end' but has since been clarified as a hemorrhoid issue. The 29-year-old knuckleballer has been placed on the injured list, though his absence from the team is not anticipated to be prolonged.
Manager Provides Details on Waldron's Condition and Recovery Timeline
Padres manager Craig Stammen addressed reporters regarding Waldron's health status, explaining the necessity of the surgical intervention. '[Waldron] had to have surgery to drain it and make it better,' Stammen stated. 'So he's been in the hospital the last couple days.'
Stammen further elaborated on the expected recovery process, noting that Waldron's return will be contingent on his healing progress. 'He'll be out kind of week-to-week depending on how that incision heals and how he's feeling moving around,' the manager continued. '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.'
Waldron's Recent Injury History and Performance
This latest medical setback adds to a series of injury challenges for Waldron, who faced difficulties during the previous season. In 2025, he struggled with an oblique issue during spring training, which limited his appearances to just one start in June before he concluded the season in Triple-A. Over 27 appearances, including 26 starts, Waldron posted an earned-run average of 4.91, reflecting a challenging period on the mound.
Historical Context: Hemorrhoid Issues in Professional Sports
Waldron is not the first athlete to encounter hemorrhoid-related problems that impact their playing time. One of the most notable cases involves Kansas City Royals legend George Brett, who experienced hemorrhoid pain during Game 2 of the 1980 World Series. Brett underwent minor surgery and returned for Game 3, where he performed impressively, going 2-for-4 with an RBI in a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Despite the Royals ultimately losing the series to the Phillies, Brett maintained a strong batting average of .375. In a memorable post-series comment, he humorously remarked, 'My problems are all behind me,' highlighting his resilience in the face of the condition.
Similarly, in soccer, Argentinian player Leo Ponzio demonstrated remarkable fortitude in 2012 when he ruptured a hemorrhoid during a match for River Plate. Ponzio continued to play and successfully completed the game, showcasing the determination often required by professional athletes dealing with such personal health issues.
As Waldron focuses on his recovery, the Padres organization is optimistic about his return, aiming to support him through rehabilitation and prepare him for future contributions in the upcoming season.
