The first third of Padres spring training is complete. The competition for the fifth starter position continues with Matt Waldron and Stephen Kolek showing fast starts out of the gate. Randy Vasquez clearly struggled with his command on Sunday, with Kolek coming in behind him and pitching three scoreless innings.
Taking the next step
Matt Waldron has thrown in two starts with five innings pitched, allowing only three hits and one run with four strikeouts while using his knuckleball more than last season. He is pitching to a .176 on-base average against. Having confidence in his knuckler is the last hurdle between being a mediocre starter and being dominant.